Follow Us on Google
From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Gunmen who abducted eight community members of Imoga in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State have threatened to kill them over delay in meeting their ransom demand.
The victims were abducted on January 9 at the Star Boy Hotel located along Ibillo Road.
The coordinator, Movement for the Advancement of Akoko Edo People, Dr. Bode Ekundayo, in a statement, said the suspected kidnappers made the threat to show the community and families of the victims that they “meant business.”
Dr. Ekundayo disclosed that the gunmen who earlier demanded N100 million as ransom, later brought it down to 80 million and later to N40 million which was so difficult for the families and community to raise.
He further disclosed that the traditional ruler of the community, Oba Patrick Abudu, sent out town criers and spokesmen around the community on January 15 to solicit for more funds to enable the community to raise the ransom.
Dr. Ekundayo also narrated how two brothers, Ojo and Abiodun Ekpo, from the community escaped from kidnappers who tried to hold them hostage.
Meanwhile, Oba Abudu has disclosed that the community has since last year, informed the state and local government of the illegal occupation of Imoga land by suspected bandits, herders and kidnappers and its threat to peace and security.
