Eniola Olayemi

Three persons who were declared missing in Yakurr Local Government Area and Ijom Abakpala in Biase Local Government Area of Cross River State, two weeks ago are yet to be found.

The victims who were identified as aluminium workers and a landlord were declared missing by the Paramount Ruler of Yakurr local government area, who is the village head of Ugep, Obol Ofem Ubana, and the state police command.

The report revealed that the aluminium workers were hired by the landlord to fix aluminium doors and windows in Ijom Abakpala in Biase local government area of Cross River State.

The further report revealed that they left on January 10, 2019, but did not report at the site neither did they return to Ugep.

The landlord after waiting for hours without seeing them decided to leave his village for Ugep but did not get to Ugep and was also declared missing.

According to reporter, the owner of the house was leaving in Ugep for over 20 years and decided to commence the construction of his personal house in his village (Ijom Abakpala).

An indigene of Ugep, who pleaded that his name should not be mentioned, said, “After hiring the workers in Ugep, he left for his village and waited for them but they did not come.

“He now left his village to Ugep to pick them but he did not get to Ugep”

The Obol Lopon of Ugep, who is also the Paramount Ruler of Yakurr, said the three persons are being looked for by their family members and children.

“This man had been with us here in Ugep for over twenty years and decided to build his house in his village, Ijom Abakpala in Biase local government area of the state.

“He waited for the workers in his place and when he did not see them he came to Ugep to pick them but we have not seen him.

“Disappointingly, the workers who left Ugep to meet the landlord did not get there. We have not seen our sons neither have we see one of us who had been with us for over twenty years. We have reported the matter to the police.

“I am not sure those persons are still alive. These are family people, their families are looking for them. It’s rather unfortunate that such a thing is happening now. We have searched all over but we could not have a clue to where they are,” he fumed.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Ms Irene Ugbo in his statement revealed that the victims were missing but not confirmed the death.

“The matter was reported to us and I am aware of it. The victims were missing and they are not dead. The police are investigating the matter,” she stated.