Gunmen demand N200m ransom for kidnapped brothers as robbers kill POS operator in Edo

From Tony Osauzo, Benin

Suspected kidnappers who abducted two brothers in Auchi on Friday, January 2, have demanded N200 million ransom for their release.

The father of the abductees, Momoh Tahir, who disclosed this yesterday, said the kidnappers contacted the family to demand for the ransom.

He explained that after much haggling the gunmen reduced the ransom to N100 million. He expressed hope that further discussion would lead to a  reduction in the ransom demanded.

Tahir said the incident has been a harrowing experience for the family and prayed for the safe return of his children.

“They have been in touch with us since they were kidnapped. They asked for N200 million but we were able to negotiate N100 million. We are still hoping that further discussion will lead to reduction of the ransom demanded.

“It’s a trying period for the family but I pray that they would come back home safely”, he said.

Recall that Ibrahim who is currently doing his housemanship at Edo State Teaching Hospital, Auchi and his brother, were abducted in front of his residence while trying to access his house after work.

In another development, A 38-year-old man, Raphael Eletanye, who operated a Point of Sales services along the Murtala Muhammed Way in Benin City has been shot dead by armed robbers who were said to be operating in an unregistered white

The deceased was reportedly dragging his bag containing cash with the robbers when they shot him at about 9:50pm on Saturday night a few metres away from a Police checkpoint.

Confirming the incident, the PPRO of the State Edo Police Command, Eno Ikoedem, said preliminary investigation revealed that the victim was shot on the thigh before the assailants carted away an unspecified amount of cash.

“The Divisional Police, Esigie Division, was immediately mobilized to the scene. The victim was immediately rushed to the hospital but unfortunately was confirmed dead.

“The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, Monday Agbonika, has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident, and efforts are in top gear to identify and apprehend the perpetrators, while members of the public with useful information are advised to contact the Command through our 24/7 active emergency numbers”, she said.