One person was reportedly killed and money snatched when daredevil armed robbers again unleashed attacks on the Calabar-Ikom highway.
This highway, especially the Uyanga axis in Akamkpa LGA, Cross River State, has become notorious for armed robbery attacks and kidnapping.
No fewer than 15 persons have been abducted between last month and now.
The military were reported to have put up a presence in the axis following appeal by the State Governor to the Federal Government.
Eyewitnesses said the armed robbers had heavy weapons and had released bullets into vehicles, hitting two persons.
Trending video of the attack showed how a black jeep riddled with bullet holes.
Commenting on increasing attacks on the only access road from Calabar to the northern part of the state, Mr Iwara Iwara, journalist and on-air-personality on HIT 95.9 FM, Calabar, said between Adim and Abini communities, there have been brazen armed robbery attacks on that short span of the highway.
He said that the incessant attacks is presently hitting an all time high.
“No week passes without robbery attacks at this flashpoint.
“Commuters, especially market women, traveling to the early morning markets in Okom-Ita in Akamkpa LGA and Calabar, have sad stories to tell. While they have been repeatedly robbed of huge sums of business money, some of the women have been sexually violated and reprieve does not seem to be in sight,” he said.
Over the weekend, the clan head of Akpet Nation, HRH Sunday Evong raised the alarm over massive presence of strange men and armed thugs in their surrounding forests reportedly hired by illegal miners to intimidate locals.
“Lots of crimes and abductions have been traceable to them”, he told journalists weekend.
The State Police PRO, SP Irene Ugbo said their men are investigating the attacks.
