Abductors of fearless cleric, Apostle John Okoriko, demand N100 million ransom

Dennis Udoma, Uyo

Kidnappers of fearless cleric and founder of Solid Rock Kingdom Church in Akwa lbom, Apostle John Okoriko have demanded the sum of one hundred Million Naira from the family as ransom.

He was abducted by unknown gunmen from his church’s premises at Ibekwe Akpan Nya in Mkpat Enin local government area of Akwa Ibom state on Tuesday.

An eyewitness told our reporter that the gunmen called the family through the victim’s phone to demand the ransom.

The kidnappers, the source said, invaded the residence of the pastor located within the church premises after jumping the fence and force their way into the house.

“The gunmen started shooting sporadically and dragged the Pastor outside and whisked him away.

He stated that, his abductors escaped with the victim into the bush and to an unknown destination.

The incident, which occurred at about 5pm has thrown the church and the Ibekwe community into a panic as, the whereabouts of the pastor is still unknown.

It was gathered that almost all the branches of the church held prayer sessions to pray for the man of God to regain his freedom

It is recalled that, kidnappers have laid siege to Ekparakwa in Oruk Anam, Mkpat Enin local governments. where more than 15 persons have been abducted and released after payment of ransoms to the hoodlums.

Our Correspondent gathered that others who could not afford the ransom were gruesomely killed as decomposing bodies were found in farmlands within Ekparakwa and Mkpat Enin areas.

Last month, a Medical Doctor was kidnapped while operating on a patient in the theatre at the Health Care centre at a Cottage Hospital, Ikot Ekpaw community but has regained his freedom after a ransom was paid.

Meanwhile, Akwa Ibom State Police Command has said, they are on top of the situation as a man hunt has been raised.