An Akwa Ibom-based cleric, Mr Aniefiok Assian, has appealed to security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue his 23-year-old son, Utibeabasi Assian, who has remained missing for months after his abductors allegedly collected a N500,000 ransom.
Assian, who pastors the Solid Rock Kingdom Church, said his son was kidnapped on December 3, 2025, in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, and has not been seen since.
Speaking in an interview published by The PUNCH, the cleric said the kidnappers initially demanded N30 million but later agreed to accept N500,000 after negotiations with the family.
According to him, the ransom was paid through a Point of Sale (PoS) transaction into an account allegedly linked to a business identified as Uzo Onuoha Enterprise.
He explained that after receiving the money, the abductors instructed him and his wife to proceed to Ekom Iman Junction in Abak Local Government Area, where they claimed their son would be released.
However, he said the kidnappers never showed up and have not contacted the family since then.
“My son left home that morning to buy materials for our church convention and also attend a meeting in Uyo. From that day till now, we have not seen him,” Assian said.
The distraught father described his son, a final-year Theatre Arts student at the University of Uyo, as a devoted Christian and choir leader who was deeply committed to church activities.
He said the disappearance has left the family devastated, particularly his wife, who continues to struggle emotionally with the uncertainty surrounding their son’s whereabouts.
Assian also expressed frustration with the pace of investigations, claiming that despite reporting the matter to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, no significant breakthrough has been recorded.
While commending officers of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for their efforts, he alleged that repeated follow-ups with other security agencies yielded little progress.
According to him, investigators were able to trace the account that received the ransom payment but were unable to identify or apprehend those behind the transaction.
He further claimed that he was required to make payments for phone tracking exercises during the investigation.
The cleric said he believed available call records and tracking information could provide useful leads if thoroughly investigated.
Assian also disclosed that before the abduction, his son had reportedly clashed with some youths in a church choir group over the display of what he described as symbols associated with cultism.
According to him, the disagreement escalated into threats against his son, although police investigators reportedly found no direct link between the individuals involved and the kidnapping.
Despite the prolonged ordeal, the pastor said he remains hopeful that his son will return safely.
“I still believe God will bring him back. My son is dedicated to God and committed to his faith. We have not given up hope,” he said.
