Kogi lawmaker cries out over N20m ransom demanded for kidnapped constituency member

Hon. Idowu Ibikunle, the lawmaker representing Yagba West in the Kogi State House of Assembly, has raised concerns over the kidnapping of a constituent, Bukola Awo, in the Ejiba area of the state.

During a press conference in Lokoja, Hon. Ibikunle disclosed that the abductors are demanding a ransom of N20 million for her release.

This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in Kogi State and the broader region.

Hon. Ibikunle’s plea underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures to protect citizens and address the rising wave of kidnappings.

The lawmaker called on the relevant authorities to take swift action to secure Bukola Awo’s safe return and ensure the safety of residents in the area.

According to the lawmaker who was in tear before journalists he said, ” Some days ago, around nine o’clock, one business girl was Kidnapped in Ejiba. The gunmen shot sporadically to the air and took her to an unknown destination.

“I have been crying since then as I learnt they keep torturing the innocent girl in custody. I am a father and am feeling the pains that a girl who is from a constituent is passing through.

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“The suffering is too much. We have raised about N7 Million. They said until we complete the N20 Million, they won’t release her. Up till now, the girl is still in their custody.

“The Police, vigilantes, and other security agencies have been struggling to secure her release but it has not yielded results. They don’t know their hideout”.

“Also, in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government, on Tuesday 9th May 2024, kidnappers from a tribe not indigenous to Kogi State invaded the market in Ejiba, shot sporadically and kidnapped defenceless people, mostly indigenes of the local government, who have simply come to transact their petty business.

“This is different from an earlier, raid and kidnap of an illustrious son in his community weeks ago. Up till now, the victims of the kidnappers have not been released. We are perturbed that most of the interior villages and forest in Kogi West Senatorial District have been overgrown and populated by herders, many of whom are of suspected herdsmen extraction and some of whom are non-Nigerians”.

He, however, commended Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo for his pro active step in tackling insecurity in the State stressing that, more is needed to be done to ensure that those in captivity are release unhurt.

The Kogi lawmaker admonished the State Government to further strengthen the State Vigilante Network, adding that, with the Federal Law enforcement agencies, concerted efforts will be taken to combat the menace of kidnapping.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE