Pain and Hope: A Father’s Plea After His Son’s Abduction
Anifioku Asian, a pastor at Solid Rock Kingdom Church in Akwa Ibom State, recounts the harrowing experience of his 23-year-old son, Utibeasi, who was kidnapped. In an interview with journalist Chukwudi Akashike, Asian expresses his anguish and unwavering hope for his son’s safe return.
Discovery of the Kidnapping
On December 3, 2025, the family received a distressing phone call from the kidnappers, who demanded a ransom of 30 million naira for the release of Utibeasi. After negotiating, they settled on a payment of 500,000 naira, which was transferred to an account belonging to Uzo Onuoha Enterprise via Point of Sale (PoS) transaction.
Circumstances Surrounding the Incident
Utibeasi had left home early that morning to purchase materials for his clothing for the annual church conference in Uyo. After attending the market, he was supposed to visit the workers’ council center but never returned. Since then, the family has not seen or heard from him.
Interactions with Authorities
After reporting the abduction to the anti-kidnapping division and later visiting the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Special Weapons and Tactics unit (SWAT), the family has faced a frustrating lack of results. Despite the various reports made, Asian describes the police’s responses as unsatisfactory and bureaucratic, with no actionable leads provided.
Struggles with Police Follow-up
While Asian acknowledges some kindness from the anti-kidnapping unit, he remains frustrated by their inability to retrieve crucial call records that could potentially identify the kidnappers. The police’s tracking efforts have yielded no results, leading Asian to feel that the investigation lacks urgency.
Pervasive Fear and Family Impact
The impact of his son’s kidnapping has been devastating for the family, leaving Asian emotionally shattered. Utibeasi, a dedicated choir leader and final-year theater arts student, is deeply cherished within the family. Asian speculates whether personal conflicts could have led to Utibeasi’s abduction and feels a weight of concern for his son’s future.
Community and Family Response
Asian describes his son as a model child, devoted to his faith and family. He deeply fears for Utibeasi’s well-being, especially given the high stakes involved. Asian has approached both community leaders and the university where Utibeasi studies for support, but the families involved in previous disagreements have thus far not been held accountable.
Faith Amid Despair
Despite the profound distress, Asian clings to faith, believing that his son’s dedication to God will guide their family through this dark period. He reflects on the spiritual journey he and his son have shared, expressing a belief that divine intervention is needed in solving this crisis. His prayers and hope center around the return of Utibeasi, illustrating the family’s resilience during this deeply troubling time.
