Bloody Christmas in Cross River as Gunmen Kill Youth Leader, Kidnap 4 Others

The incident, which occurred in the hometown of Mr. Elvert Ayambem, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, took place in Ikom Local Government Area, sending shockwaves through the region.

One person has been confirmed dead in Nde Three Corners community in Cross River State on Christmas Day as gunmen unleashed a wave of violence, resulting in the death of Akpang Ayambem, a prominent youth leader, and the abduction of four others.

The incident, which occurred in the hometown of Mr. Elvert Ayambem, the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, took place in Ikom Local Government Area, sending shockwaves through the region.

Nde Three Corners has unfortunately gained notoriety in recent months due to a surge in kidnappings and other violent crimes, creating an environment of fear and insecurity among its residents.

Travellers along the Ikom Ogoja/Katsina Ala highway have also fallen victim to these criminals, facing repeated threats of abduction over the past month.

Late Akpang Ayambem Eyewitness reports from Mr. Awor Takim, a resident of the community, detailed the harrowing events of the evening.

Gunmen attacked, fatally shooting an unidentified man and dragging his lifeless body into the nearby bushes.

For an agonizing 30 to 60 minutes, the assailants carried out their nefarious activities, shooting and injuring two other residents who were returning from their farms.

One victim sustained a gunshot wound to the hand and is currently receiving medical treatment.

Despite the swift departure of the gunmen, soldiers from a nearby battalion and the police anti-robbery squad arrived at the scene after the ordeal.

As of this report, Irene Ugbo, the Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer, stated that her office had not yet received an official report on the incident.

She pledged a thorough investigation into the matter.

The escalating level of criminal activity in Nde Three Corners has raised grave concerns among residents and authorities alike.

Just last month, a medical practitioner fell victim to a fatal shooting in the area. Moreover, the kidnapping of Matthew Egomo, the APC Ikom Ward Chairman, and his son sent shockwaves through the community.

Egomo was released after paying a hefty ransom of N5 million.

As at the time of filing this report, all efforts to contact Speaker Ayambem for comment were futile, as his phone remained switched off.

The appalling incident serves as a stark reminder of the rampant insecurity plaguing communities in Cross River State, demanding urgent and decisive action to restore safety and peace to the region.