By Nosa Akenzua, Asaba
Abductors of a 65- year old mother of the First Bank Manager in Ughelli Branch, Madam Angela Atiku on Monday at her residence oguname- Olomu quarters in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta, are currently asking for N100million ransom as “settlement” for her freedom.
But the Delta state Police Command through the Commissioner, Hafiz Mohammed Inuwah who spoke to Journalists on Tuesday in Asaba, said the Police were working hard to release the woman unhurt, adding that the abductors were being tracked through intelligence gathering and undisclosed strategies.
It was gathered that Madam Atiku was Kidnapped and whisked away by six- man hoodlums who stormed her residence at about 8pm on the fateful Monday armed with AK47 guns and started shooting sporadically to scare passersby who smelt a rat of kidnapping melee during the hours.
They were said to have forcefully dragged the woman into their waiting vehicle without plate numbers at gunpoint before they zoomed off to an unknown destination amidst fear of the unknown to some residents who were watching the unfolding event helplessly, and speechless
Unconfirmed sources said that over sixteen persons in the last few weeks have been kidnapped by these rampaging kidnappers who in most cases also rob unsuspecting residents at gunpoint especially during nightfall and in early hours
Investigation revealed that barely three weeks ago, a Chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party ( PDP) and ward Chairman in the area, Mr Paul Onomukpokpo was assassinated by yet unidentified gunmen while three others were Kidnapped and taken away by suspected Kidnappers to unknown destinations as they were yet to establish any ransom with their families and friends.
A family member of Madam Angela Atiku who spoke to Journalists on Tuesday in the area, said that the Abductors were asking for N100million through the First Bank Manager, Philip Atiku, adding that negotiation was ongoing with a view to ensuring her release unhurt
Further investigation revealed that the entire Ughelli North and South Communities have been under siege of armed bandits including Kidnappers who during nightfall shoot sporadically from their operational base after critical survey of their targeted persons before moving into action under dastardly motivated activities.
But the police commissioner, Hafiz Mohammed Inuwah speaking further, said that the increasing kidnappings in the areas may have been informed by Joblessness and desperation of the youths to meet their financial burdens, warning that the police will do everything possible to eradicate all forms of crimes in the state and denied any knowledge of any ransom established with the family members of the abducted woman
Meanwhile, Delta state Traffic Management Agency (DESTMA) has commenced operations to arrest and impound vehicles users of illegal and expired number plate including non-registered vehicles in the state from next Monday
The Director General of the Agency Azubuike Idah confirms that there will be no sacred cows during the exercise adding that the exercise was not to witch hunt anyone but to rid the roads in the state of all such traffic offenders, ensure safety on the roads and stop the revenue loss to the state government, caused by the actions of traffic violators
He reaffirmed the Commitment of the Agency to ensure that people obey traffic laws, no matter their status in the society, Check drivers’ licenses, ensure that anyone behind the wheel is qualified to drive and that nobody drives against the traffic laws and regulations
He said” I am disappointed that less than Sixty five percent of vehicles plying the roads in the state are doing so with fake, expired, and illegal or covered number plates, we will continue to bring them to arrest and ensure that the right things are done and not working through the back doors in the state”
