JUST IN: Akwa Ibom principal’s abductors demand N50m ransom

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded headway in their hunt for the kidnappers of the Principal-General of Madonna Community Secondary School, in Oruk Anam Local Government Area of State, Mr. Monday Ekoriko, by recovering his stolen SUV car

This is as the kidnappers have established contact with the family, demanding N50 million ransom, or risk being killed if the demand is not met within the stipulated time frame.

Ekoriko was abducted by unknown gunmen at his country home, Udianga Enem village in Etim Ekpo LGA, last Saturday on his way to attend a Church service at the United Evangelical Church which he personally built in the community.

Speaking with newsmen on Friday, in Uyo the state capital, his eldest son, Menyene, said “they (the hoodlums) called me on phone and the number was hidden, saying we should hurriedly arrange N50 million before my father could be released”.

“The discussion was so brief and sharp with a threat that some people have paid for my father to be killed, that only a higher amount would safe him”.

Menyene added that his father’s Lexus SUV which the kidnappers used in whisking him away had been recovered after it was abandoned at the Ekparakwa axis of Oruk Anam LGA.

The Youths’ Leader of the community, Comrade Udeme John, described the incident as sad and enjoined the Police and other security agencies to intensify their efforts with a view to rescuing the teacher alive and unharmed.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Odiko Macdon, confirmed the recovery of the teacher’s SUV, assuring that “operatives of the command are closing in on the criminal elements”.

“We can confirm the recovery of the car, the Police have nothing to do with ransom, but I can assure you that very soon the hoodlums will be apprehended and brought to justice because the Commissioner of Police Olatoye Durosinmi, who is personally directing the operation has zero tolerance for crimes”, he assured.