Kidnappers insist on N20m prize tag on APC council boss

Three days after his abduction by unknown gunmen, Henry Ashofor, Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Akoko-Edo local government area may stay longer than expected as sum of N20m ransom has been demanded by the kidnappers before he could regain his freedom.

It was gathered that wife of the pharmacist turned politician was called on Sunday evening by the abductors, when they made the demands and insisted that they would not reduce the prize tag placed on their captive.

It could be recalled that Ashofor was kidnapped on Saturday evening near Ayetoro along Igarra – Ibillo road while on his way home from Igarra where he had attended a burial ceremony with other politicians.

However, the family members were said to have appealed to the state government to help in securing the chairman, adding that the cannot afford to raise such huge amount demanded by the abductors.

According to one of leaders of the party, he stated that they were making frantic effort to secure his release having been told that they should bring N20 million. He  added that they have been having security and peace meeting on the matter.

It is on record that the activities of these hoodlums have become so worrisome. Almost on a daily basis, they carry out their heinous crimes. Deacon Ashofor was kidnapped on the same route where they carry out their crimes.

Last week, a retired principal was kidnapped on the same route. Few days ago at Okpe Junction, people returning from a function were attacked by gunmen in which four tyres of their vehicle where shattered.

Also, few months ago, two retired matrons from the General Hospital were kidnapped in Igarra, and people have not even recovered from the robbery that killed several lives.