Gunmen attack ex-minister, kill 2 in Cross River

A former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and governorship candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in Cross River State, Usani Usani, narrowly escaped being killed by gunmen along the Calabar-Ikom expressway.

It was gathered that two unidentified persons were killed by the gunmen who shot at their vehicles in a bid to abduct them.

Usani was said to be on his way to his home town in Nko, Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State alongside the deputy governorship candidate and others when they were attacked.

The state Commissioner of Police, Sule Balarabe, who confirmed the incident, said it occurred between the axis of Akamkpa and Biase Local Government Areas of the state at about 4 p.m. on Friday.

He said it started when a white Ford with Registration number AAA 41 AQ was ambushed by the gunmen, killing the two yet-to-be identified victims.

The commissioner disclosed that three other persons were abducted by the gunmen.

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“The vehicle in which they killed two persons had seven occupants including two police officers, ASP Ibor Bassey and Inspector Ebro Ebri who escaped and called for reinforcement.

“A tactical Unit was immediately dispatched to the area and three persons have so far been rescued,” he stated.

Balarabe said the rescued persons were members of the PRP who were traveling with the former minister.

“We are appealing to all community leaders and traditional rulers to help security agencies by providing us with useful information through our dedicated lines.

“These criminals are not spirits, they are human beings who live amongst them. Without useful and timely information, it will be very difficult to nip this nefarious activities in the bud,” he added.

Speaking on the attack, the media aide of the former minister, David Agabi, said they escaped by the whiskers.

His words: “We were in a convoy, the gunmen started shooting at us around Betem in Biase, my principal’s driver sustained gunshot injuries while the vehicle was riddled with bullets.

“Other members of our party in the convoy also suffered various degrees of injuries.

“Four persons were abducted but as I speak to you, only three have regained freedom, one person is still missing, my principal is in good condition.”

The Star