In Enen-Atai village, Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, suspected hoodlums carried out the abduction of a four-month-old baby on Saturday, May 4.
The father of the abducted infant, Udeme Eyo, recounted the harrowing experience on Monday, stating that the child was taken at gunpoint from their residence around 3:00 am.
Describing the incident, Udeme expressed, “While I was half-awake, there was a loud bang on the door. I hastily got out of bed, but before I could react, the door was forcefully brought down.
“Two unknown individuals barged in, demanding the baby. I tried to intervene, but they brandished guns and machetes, leaving me helpless.
“They snatched the child from my wife who was screaming, pushed her aside, and swiftly fled with the baby. By the time I ran out to seek help from neighbors, I saw them speeding off in a car parked nearby.”
Udeme continued, “My wife is currently traumatized by the ordeal. After losing our first child at a similar age, the presence of our newborn son was a source of solace until this dreadful incident occurred. I am utterly bewildered.”
The village head, Prof Efanga Usua, expressed concern and dismay over the incident, stating that such occurrences were rare in the area until the recent incident involving a mentally disturbed woman who was similarly deprived of her baby by unidentified motorcyclists.
He disclosed that efforts are being made to convene a meeting of the East Itam Northern Traditional Rulers to address and prevent future incidents of this nature.
Bokime Bassey, the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) of Ayadehe Police Station in Itu LGA, assured that the police have been actively investigating the matter since it was reported on Saturday, emphasizing their commitment to apprehending the culprits responsible.
Bassey affirmed, “We are aware of the situation and have taken action. Our team visited the village this morning, and we are making significant progress in the investigation.”
Efforts to reach the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) ASP Timfon John were unsuccessful at the time of compiling this report, as multiple calls to her mobile phone went unanswered.