The traditional ruler of Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River, Etiyin Maurice Edet, was abducted on Sunday night by gunmen at his residence in the council area.

An aide to the traditional ruler was shot dead in the process of the kidnapping.

The spokesperson for the state police command, SP Irene Ugbo, confirmed the incident but said details were unknown to her at press time.

A source, however, said the traditional ruler’s aide was killed as he tried to prevent his principal from being abducted.

Akpabuyo, notorious for criminal activities, is less than 15 kilometres from Calabar, the capital city of the state.

Meanwhile, Patrick Egaga of the University of Calabar (UNIAL) has been released by his abductors after 26 days in captivity.

Mr Egaga, who is UNICAL’s director of servicom, was abducted in the institution’s staff quarters, after which his abductors demanded a ransom of N50 million.

Calabar and its environs have witnessed an increase in cases of abduction in the past few months.

The targets for abduction are usually lecturers, lawyers, medical doctors, clergymen, and high-profile individuals.

(NAN)