The family of Pastor Inyang Ayang Ntukoghe, a Cross River State cleric who disappeared more than two years ago while traveling with former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Usani Uguru Usani, has renewed calls for answers regarding his mysterious disappearance.
Pastor Ntukoghe’s wife, Mrs. Julie Inyang Ayang, speaking to reporters, emotionally appealed for the intervention of Governor Bassey Otu and the public to help uncover the truth behind her husband’s whereabouts. She claims that the former minister, whom her husband regarded as a political mentor, has failed to provide clear answers since the day her husband vanished.
According to her, Pastor Ntukoghe joined Usani on February 3, 2023, on a trip from Calabar to Nko, Yakurr Local Government Area, for the burial of Usani’s sister. That was the last day she heard from him. Later, she was informed of an attack on Usani’s vehicle, during which her husband was allegedly abducted.
“Mr. Usani told me on the phone that it was him they wanted, but they picked my husband. Since that day, he has never told me anything more. Even the travelling bag my husband left with him is still in his possession after two years,” Julie lamented.
She further alleged that whenever she or her husband’s relatives reached out to Usani, he either ignored their calls or dismissed them. According to her, attempts by her husband’s family to get Usani to explain the incident formally were rebuffed.
“He even threatened one of the family members who wrote to him. Since then, nobody has heard anything. I’ve reported to the police, to the DSS — no progress. It’s like a conspiracy of silence,” she said.
In a letter dated May 16, 2023, addressed to the State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Calabar, Julie raised concerns over Usani’s refusal to return her husband’s belongings, adding that this and his silence deepened her suspicion that something more sinister may have happened.
When contacted, Usani Uguru Usani declined to respond to the allegations over the phone, insisting on a face-to-face meeting to prevent what he described as misrepresentation by journalists.
Mrs. Julie has now appealed directly to the Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, to help investigate the case as the State’s Chief Security Officer.
“I want Governor Otu to help us. My children are suffering. If my husband is dead, we deserve to know. If he’s alive, we want him back,” she pleaded.
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