A squad of the Nigerian Navy on routine patrol, along Calabar-Oron waterways, has rescued Paramount Ruler of Akpabuyo Local Council, Cross River State, Etinyin Maurice Ekpenyong, after a gun duel.

Ten suspected kidnappers were reportedly killed during the operation. Ekpenyong was abducted at his residence by gunmen in the wee hours of Monday, December 11.

A source revealed that the kidnappers were intercepted by the patrol team, last night, as they attempted to ferry the royal father to Oron, in Akwa Ibom State, through the Atlantic Ocean, preparatory to commencing negotiations for ransom.

The monarch is said to be in an undisclosed medical facility where he is receiving post-traumatic treatment. In a related development, a driver with a ride hailing service (name withheld) narrowly escaped being kidnapped at around 9:30 p.m., yesterday, after gunmen in a minibus overtook and blocked his vehicle, along Nelson Mandela Street, near Target, in Calabar.

The driver’s cry for help attracted a crowd of soccer fans who were watching UEFA Champions League matches to the scene. Sensing danger, the kidnappers, who were already dragging their victim to the minibus, shot sporadically to halt the advancing mob, and sped off towards Goldie Street.

The driver, who sustained serious injury as he struggled with the six armed attackers, was later rushed to a hospital for treatment. (The Guardian)