Gunmen abduct cleric in Cross River community

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Gunmen have abducted a cleric, Apostle Okon Asuquo Obong, at Esuk- Atu community, near Calabar in Cross River State. The incident, which occurred at the weekend, was said to have thrown the inhabitants of the sleepy community, where the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) is sited, into confusion.
The Secretary of Akim Qua Town Council, the community where Esuk-Atu is situated, Ntufam Oqua Itu, said the community was aware of the development but might not be able to act since the police were currently handling the matter.
Narrating the incident, a resident, who craved anonymity, said on arrival in the community, the gunmen initially harassed some of the residents before descending on Obong at the waterfront. According to him, the victim, who is the chairman of the community’s Land, Asset and Property Committee, had a strained relationship with some youths in the community.
He said: “Since June 2004, the youth had requested that Obong should give account of proceeds on the sales of land and other revenue accruing to the community to but no avail. “The restive youth had called for dissolution of the committee made up of nine members headed by Obong.”http://newtelegraphonline.com/gunmen-abduct-cleric-in-cross-river-community/