Engr Pius Oklo, the former President of the Akpa Community Development Association (ACDA), narrowly escaped a harrowing kidnap attempt early on the morning of 2 January, 2024. The incident took place in his hometown of Akwete, Akpa, situated in the Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to a brief yet heartfelt message obtained by AkweyaTV, Engr Oklo recounted the chilling events of the morning. “Six heavily armed kidnappers stormed my compound at Akwete at 5 am this morning,” he conveyed, detailing the intensity of the situation. Fortunately, amidst the chaos and danger, Engr Oklo was shielded from harm. “But the Lord God shielded me,” he affirmed.
While the armed assailants managed to seize raw foods, cartons of beverages, and all available cash from the compound, their primary target remained elusive. The former community president expressed his gratitude and relief in the message, stating, “May the Good Lord be praised infinitely.”
The escape from this perilous situation has left the community in shock and relief. Engr Pius Oklo, aside from his contributions as the former President of ACDA, is renowned as the founder and Managing Director of Eta Associates Ltd, an esteemed engineering, and construction firm based in Abuja.
As the details continue to unfold, the community and stakeholders await further updates on any investigation into this brazen kidnap attempt as a similar incident was said to have occurred a short time earlier at Igbeji town, close to Akwete, creating room for suspecting that the assailants may be the same. The incident underscores the ongoing security challenges faced by individuals in various regions and emphasises the need for continued vigilance and community support.