A shocking escalation of violence in Akwa Ibom State, gunmen have abducted prominent businessman Samuel Ekerenam, owner of Hephzibah Shopping Mall, in a brutal attack that left his driver dead and his police orderly severely wounded. The incident, which occurred late Saturday night around 10:55 p.m., has sent shockwaves through the Eket business community.
According to Akwa Ibom State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Timfon John, the assailants staged their attack at Ekerenam’s shopping complex located along Afaha Uqua Obok-Idim Road in Eket Local Government Area. The gunmen executed a carefully planned ambush, demonstrating a concerning level of coordination and brutality in their approach.
The incident marks a disturbing pattern of violence against the Ekerenam family, as this is not their first encounter with kidnappers. In a haunting parallel, Mr. Ekerenam’s wife, Glory, was previously abducted from Eket on October 17, 2019, and taken to a kidnappers’ hideout in Ikot Ubo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, suggesting a possible targeted campaign against the family.
The police response has been swift, with Commissioner of Police Joseph Eribo personally leading a team of tactical commanders to inspect the crime scene. The injured police orderly, whose identity remains undisclosed for security reasons, is currently receiving critical care at a hospital within the state, though specifics about the facility have been withheld for safety concerns.
A family source, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the attack occurred shortly after Ekerenam had returned home from work, indicating the attackers may have been monitoring his movements. The source’s account provides crucial details about the timing and circumstances of the abduction, suggesting a well-planned operation rather than an opportunistic crime.
The brutal nature of this attack has raised serious concerns about the security situation in Eket and the broader Akwa Ibom State. The incident not only represents a direct assault on the business community but also highlights the challenges faced by security personnel protecting high-profile individuals in the region. The fact that armed attackers could successfully overpower a police escort and execute their plan in a commercial area has sparked debates about the adequacy of current security measures.
The attack’s location at Hephzibah Shopping Mall, a prominent business establishment in Eket, adds another layer of significance to the incident. The mall, which serves as an important commercial hub in the area, now stands as a stark reminder of the security challenges facing business owners in the region. The brazen nature of the attack, carried out at a well-known location, suggests a concerning level of confidence among criminal elements operating in the area.
Law enforcement agencies have mobilized their resources to track down the perpetrators and secure Mr. Ekerenam’s safe release. The police command has indicated that various tactical units are involved in the operation, though specific details about their strategies remain confidential to avoid compromising the ongoing investigation and rescue efforts.
The incident has also raised questions about the broader implications for business security in Akwa Ibom State. Local business owners are reportedly reviewing their security arrangements, with many expressing concern about the potential impact on commercial activities in the region. The attack serves as a sobering reminder of the risks faced by prominent business figures and the need for enhanced security measures.
As the community awaits news about Mr. Ekerenam’s fate, the incident has sparked renewed calls for improved security infrastructure and coordination between law enforcement agencies. The pattern of attacks against the Ekerenam family, in particular, suggests a need for targeted protection strategies for business owners and their families in the region.
The police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities that might aid in the investigation. Meanwhile, the business community in Eket and surrounding areas remains on edge as they await updates on both the victim’s condition and the progress of law enforcement efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.
