Breaking: Popular Lagos-based Pastor kidnapped in C’River

By Inyali Peter, Calabar

Popular Cross River born Lagos-based Pastor, Rev. Ekpenyong Edet James has been kidnapped by unknown gunmen in his home town.

Rev. Ekpenyong who hails from Isonginyang village in Odukpani Local government area of Cross River State is the District Superintendent of Assemblies of God Church, Ikorodu, Lagos State.

According to a source, the sad incident occurred on Friday,19 January 2018 at Okwirikan Junction along Calabar-Itu Highway which is miles away from his village.

The Clergy who is said to be constructing school, hospital and large scale palm plantation in his home country was returning from an inspection visit to the projects sites.

It is said that the abductors have made contact with his family and have demanded N50 million ransom for his release.

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When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Irene Ugbo who confirmed the incident said that the Police was working to ensure his safe release.

She said that the Clergy’s girlfriend who was with him at the time of the incident is being investigated as she is the first contact and suspect.

According to her, “The girlfriend who was with him at the time he was kidnapped said when the men came to drag him out of the vehicle as he was making call people ran away and she went to hide somewhere.

“She is our first contact and suspect. We’re investigating her because the next day we contacted his wife and the DPO got some useful information from her. By the grace of God we’re working on it and he will be released very soon”.