Usani Usani, a former minister of Niger Delta affairs and candidate for governor of Cross River State on behalf of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), narrowly avoided being assassinated by alleged kidnappers while travelling along the Calabar-Ikom route.
However, two unnamed people were not as fortunate as they were slain by the gunmen who shot at their cars in an attempt to kidnap them, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Along with the deputy governorship candidate and other others, Mr. Usani was reportedly travelling to his hometown of Nko, Yakurr Local Government Area, when they were assaulted.
He served as a minister during President Muhammadu Buhari’s first term in office.
Sule Balarabe, the State Commissioner of Police, who verified the story, said it happened on Friday at 4 p.m. between the Akamkpa and Biase Local Government Areas of the state.
He said that the alleged kidnappers attacked a white Ford with the registration number AAA 41 AQ, murdering the two unidentified victims.
The commissioner added that the gunmen also kidnapped three other people during the incident.
“The vehicle in which they killed two persons had seven occupants including two police officers, ASP Ibor Bassey and Insp. 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.
According to Mr. Balarabe, the PRP members who were saved were on the same trip as the former minister.
He asked the residents of the towns along the Calabar-Ikom route for assistance by providing the police with helpful information.
“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 said.
The former minister’s communications aide, David Agabi, said they narrowly avoided being caught in the attack.
According to him, “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.”
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