A 300-level Theatre Arts student of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), Mr Utibe Aniefiok Asian, has been kidnapped in Akwa Ibom State.

The young man, who hails from Obio Etoi in Uyo Local Government Area, went missing after receiving a call from a supposed friend on December 2, 2025. He left home to meet the caller and has not returned since then.

His father, Pastor Aniefiok Asian, narrated the painful story. The kidnappers contacted the family the next day and demanded N30 million as ransom. After negotiations, the amount was reduced to N500,000. The family quickly paid the money into a specified bank account on December 13, 2025, hoping to secure his release. Sadly, the abductors went silent after collecting the ransom and did not free the student.

The family reported the case to the police Anti-Kidnapping Unit and other security agencies shortly after the abduction. They provided phone numbers and other details to help track the kidnappers. Despite these efforts and several petitions, including one to the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammad Azare, no positive result has been achieved so far.

Pastor Asian expressed deep frustration and disappointment over the lack of progress. He has appealed to the Inspector General of Police to intervene directly and form a special team to rescue his son. The family remains hopeful but worried as they have heard nothing from Utibe or his captors since the ransom payment.

This incident has raised fresh concerns about the safety of students and residents in Akwa Ibom State. Many are calling on security agencies to act faster on kidnapping cases and bring the perpetrators to justice. The family continues to pray for Utibe’s safe return as they wait anxiously for any positive news.