Unknown gunmen have abducted the Founder of Solid Rock Kingdom Church, John Okoriko, from the church premises at Ibekwe Akpan Nya in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State
It was gathered that the gunmen invaded the residence of the pastor located in the church premises, shooting in the air to scare people around as they scaled the fence, forced their way into the living room and whisked the cleric away.
It was further learnt that Okoriko was dragged into the nearby bush, where his abductors escaped with the victim to an unknown destination.
It was further gathered that the incident which occurred at about 5pm on Tuesday has thrown the church and entire Ibekwe community into panic as the whereabout of the pastor has yet to be established.
Family members who confirmed the incident said have established contact with them adding that they have demanded a ransom of N100 million before his release.
Read also: Udoedehe joins Akwa Ibom guber race
Sources have also alleged that the area has been frequently visited by kidnappers adding that at least 15 persons have been abducted for ransom in recent times.
A Medical Doctor was also kidnapped from a health facility in the area near Ikot Ekpaw last month, and was said to have regained freedom after an undisclosed amount of money was paid as ransom.
Confirming the abduction of John Okoriko, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Odiko Macdon, said that the abduction happened on Tuesday, April 19, at about 5p.m at his church residence in Mkpat Enin LGA of the state.
“We have received the report and the CP has ordered for an investigation to commence.
“As I speak, a lot has been done already, I want to believe that we will get to the root of it in no distant time”, Macdon said.
Macdon explained that many such incidents had been reported in that vicinity, saying that the police command has been working assiduously to unravel their hideouts and bring perpetrators to book.
