Abductors of the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akoko-Edo Local Government Are of Edo State, Deacon Henry Ashofor, have demanded the payment of N20 million ransom to release him.
Ashofor was reportedly abducted last Saturday near Aiyetoro community on Igarra-Ibillo road while returning from a ceremony.
Another party chieftain in the area confirmed that the abductors called their victim’s wife on Sunday morning.
The politician, who spoke in confidence, said Ashofor’s wife begged to pay N600,000 but they refused.
It was gathered that the Akoko-Edo APC Ward 3 Chairman, Mr. Arnold Shadrach, was released same Saturday after spending some days with his abductors.
The Secretary to the Otaru of Igarra, Elder Folorunsho Dania, said life was no longer safe in the locality.
He said: “But the police here are handicapped. They have no vehicle, no personnel. What we are saying is that the good work the governor is doing should be complemented by the Federal Government by sending down a military base to Igarra.
“Our economic life has been destroyed; farmers don’t go to farm these days. There is no week we don’t experience these things up to four times.
“The activities of these hoodlums have become so worrisome. They are dare devilled and blood thirsty. Almost on a daily basis, they carry out their heinous crimes. Deacon Ashofor was kidnapped on Saturday on the same route where they carry out their crimes.
“Just last week, a retired head teacher was kidnapped on the same route. Few days back at Okpe Junction, people who were coming from a function were attacked by gunmen. The four tyres of their vehicle were shattered. Few months ago, two retired matrons from the General Hospital were kidnapped in Igarra. We have not even recovered from the robbery in which several lives were lost.”