Youths protest as gunmen kidnap NURTW chairman, passengers in Cross River

The Chairman of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Okuku wing in Yala local government area of Cross River State, Mr Idagu Thomas Odey has been kidnapped.

The victim was abducted along with other passengers on transit by gunmen and taken to an unknown destination on Thursday.

Following the kidnap of the victims, DAILY POST gathered that business and economic activities have been grounded in some communities of Yala including Okuku, Okpoma and Yahe as youths protested the abduction.

An eyewitness, who declined giving his name, said, “Road blocks have been mounted preventing vehicular movements to and from Abakaliki area.

“All shops remained closed in these areas as the youths are protesting the uncertainties and whereabouts of their beloved ones.

“They also threatened reprisal action if the abducted persons are not found, as it is still uncertain if the abducted persons are still alive or killed.”

Addressing the protesting youths at the Okuku round about, the Chairman of the security council in Yala LGA, Mr. Eddy Achi pleaded with them to be law-abiding.

He said measures were being taken to rescue the victims, adding that he was networking with relevant security agencies to douse tension in the area.

Briefing newsmen at Okuku in Yala local government area, Achi said he had contacted all security operatives to deploy their men to the affected areas to bring the situation under control.

It would be recalled that few days back, crisis between Itega Okpame and Orba in Yala LGA was brought under control. However, another one has erupted at Ikwo/Izzi area along Abakaliki road where some gunmen abducted the NURTW, Okuku wing chairman, Mr Idagu Thomas Odey and some passengers on Thursday.

#NURTW #protest #kidnap #gunmen #crossriver