Several persons including two medical doctors, are currently in captivity following the kidnap incident that occurred on the Calabar-Ikom Highway Okomita axis in Akampka Local Government Area of Cross River State last Friday.

When contacted, the Commissioner of Police Cross River State, Sule Balarabe who confirmed the incident to ThisNigeria said some persons were kidnaped, adding that their identities were yet unknown as the operation was ongoing.

He said it was a common knowledge that some persons were kidnapped last Friday along Calabar-Ikom Highway.

Balabare said he would not rest until the abductees were released unhurt. He insisted that the command would do all in its power to ensure that no harm comes to them till they are reunited with their family.

“There is nowhere we won’t enter. We will comb that area. We will turn the forest upside-down to ensure those kidnaped regain their freedom unhurt. This is a very sad moment, but the matter will be adequately dealt with. I can assure the public. I am not sitting in Calabar to give orders, I’m on ground with my men.

“We also have the cooperation of the locals; we will have positive results. I am on the ground with various units. We are hitting the nails on its head as I speak, we must make sure we secure the release of the victims unharmed,” he said.

Also, an impeccable source who spoke with ThisNigeria under condition of anonymity said at least seven persons were kidnaped including four men and  three women. According to the source, the women were only robbed and freed while the four men were abducted.

When contacted, the Chairman, Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Cross River State chapter, Dr Felix Archibong confirmed ThisNigeria that two of their members, a relative of one of them, and one other person, were currently being held by their captors who abducted them on Friday.

Dr Archibong who made the confirmation via telephone, said the kidnappers have made contact with the families demanding N100 million ransom, N50 million each for the medical doctors.

“I can confirm that two of my members were among those who were kidnapped along Calabar-Ikom Highway, Ikomita axis. I am also aware that they have  made calls to the families of the doctor’s and demanded N100 million naira, N50m for each of them, one of the victims is a relation of the doctor, that is all I can say for now as we pray for their safe return to their various  families. But I can tell you that no medical doctor has N50 million, because it’s a huge amount of money,” he said.