A lecturer at the Federal College of Education in Obudu, Cross River State, Dr. Walter Ibe, was on Saturday abducted from his official residence by gunmen.

Ibe, who is in the Department of Computer Science, was whisked to an unknown destination, but Southern City News gathered that the abducted lecturer was released in the early hours of Sunday.

It was learnt that the abductors had demanded N5m but it was not clear if any ransom was paid at the time of his release.

This is coming three weeks after three persons were abducted from the University of Calabar staff quarters and released after they were said to have paid N5m as ransom.

Ibe, who is also a pastor at the Pentecostal Church in Obudu, was in his home on Saturday night when the gunmen stormed his sitting room and seized him in the presence of his family.

It was learnt that the gunmen immediately made contact with the family and demanded N5m ransom.

But the state Chairman of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Pastor Lawrence Ekwok, who confirmed the abduction, could not ascertain if any ransom was paid.

He, however, said that the abducted lecturer is the Public Relations Officer of the Christian body in Obudu.

He decried the incessant abduction of men of God in the state for the purpose of what he referred to as ‘blood money’.

In a statement made available to Southern City News, Ekwok said, “PFN warns kidnappers who have taken the act of abducting men of God to extort money from them to desist from such action or face the wrath of God.

“We hereby call on the police and other security agencies to ensure the release of Pastor Ibe. They should ensure they arrest and prosecute the perpetrators of such evil act without delay.”

He said the kidnappers stormed the home of Ibe in a Toyota Camry saloon that had no registration number.

Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr. John Eluu, said he was not aware of the development.

He, however, promised to get back after making inquiries, but did not call as at the time of filing this report.

I remember one time.

A long time ago, when Men Of God use to be respected and feared, as they were seen as the direct messengers of God. But now? everybody knows they are a Joke, and a fair game for kidnapping.

Thank God he was found safe.

Weather fake or true man of God, the abductors are already in trouble for touching him. They will soon be caught. Wait and see.

Dreal11247:
Weather fake or true man of God, the abductors are already in trouble for touching him. They will soon be caught. Wait and see.

very sure