The abductors of the All Progressives Congress Chairman for the Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, Mr. Henry Ashofor, have reportedly demanded a ransom of N20 million for his release.
Ashofor and two others were said to have been whisked away by unknown gunmen near Aiyetoro, along the Igarra-Ibilo road, last Saturday.
He was said to be on his way from a funeral when the incident occurred.
The Commissioner of Police, had told our correspondent that personnel of the police command had been deployed to search for the victims and rescue them unhurt.
However, it was learnt that the kidnappers contacted Ashofor’s relatives on Sunday and made their demand known to them.
It was also learnt that pleas by his family to the abductors to reduced the ransom to N600,000 were rebuffed as they (abductors) allegedly insisted that he would not regain his freedom until the requested amount was paid.
A source in the area, who did not want to be mentioned, said, “There is unease. Friends and family members of Ashofor are deeply traumatised as a result of the kidnap.
“Besides, they (family) will not be able to raise the huge amount of money being demanded by the kidnappers. The kidnappers refused to reduce the ransom.”
Meanwhile, the Secretary to the Otaru of Igarra, Folorunsho Dania, has called on the police to beef up security in the area as the residents had been attacked several times by the bandits.
Danied, stated, “The activities of these hoodlums have become worrisome. They are daredevil and bloodthirsty. Almost on a daily basis, they carry out their heinous crimes.
“Deacon Ahofor was kidnapped on Saturday on the same route where they carry out their crimes; just last week, a retired principal was kidnapped on the same route. We have not recovered from the robbery that claimed several lives.”
