Aubulu-Uku monarch’s abductors demand N200 million

By ALEX OLISE

The suspected kidnappers of the Obi of Ubulu-uku, Aniocha South Local Council of Delta State has opened discussion by demanding N200 million in ransom for HRH Agbogidi Akaeze Ofulue III eho’s been in captivity for a week.

Sources within the palace disclosed the development to National Daily Tuesday.

The ransom demand has, however, put the Nigeria police force on their toes as the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Solomon Arase, already briefed, has directed the Delta State Police command to get the traditional ruler out of cage and ensure his captors are arrested.

A top source at the force headquarters Abuja told National Daily the police boss might deploy his crack team to Delta to fast track the assignment.

The Ubulu-uku King was kidnapped last Wednesday along Igbodo/Obior road while he was driving in his Toyota Land Cruiser Sport Utility vehicle (SUV).

The spate of kidnapping targeted at high chiefs and influential citizens is currently causing panic among residents of Delta State and environs.

The first lead to those behind the high rate of abduction has been linked to the nefarious activities of Fulani herdsmen who have been unleashing terror on parts of the state for the past four years. These cattle rustlers are said to have been using their cattle to destroy farmlands, killing innocent individuals as well as raping women in the farms.

Few weeks ago two priests, Rev. Father Franklyn Odiaka and another, were abducted on their way to attend a ceremony in honour of Bishop Michael Elue of the Isele-Uku Diocese also in Delta .