“Give Us One Billion Naira” -Kidnappers of Delta Ex-Lawmaker Demand

Details of the commando abduction of Delta former lawmaker and commissioner has emerged as the abductors have established contacts with the family of the politician, Warri Sentinel can confirm. 

A source close to the family has corroborated the rumours making the rounds on social media  alleging that the kidnappers have pegged a N1 billion ransom on the former lawmaker otherwise known as “Ada Anioma”.

However, the family said they don’t have such amount of money, but the source is optimistic a compromise will be reached to secure her safe release.

Contrary to rumours circulating on Thursday that Mrakpor had been released, the family source vehemently denied the claim, describing it as a ‘rumour from the pit of hell’. 

The source insisted that there was no truth to the report of her early Thursday morning release.

“Though, we are praying that the rumour turns to reality,” the source said.

When contacted for comment on the alleged release of Mrakpor and the reported N1 billion ransom, Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, stated that the police are unaware of any information regarding her release or the ransom demand.

The former House of Assembly and House of Representatives member was kidnapped on July, 30, 2024 by armed men at her church.

According to reports, the gunmen who ambushed Mrakpor opened fire indiscriminately to disperse the crowd before abducting her and escaping via a speedboat waiting at the River Niger. 

The attack resulted in the deaths of two police orderlies and a POS operator, who was allegedly struck by a stray bullet. Mrakpor had previously resigned from her position to allow her younger brother to run for chairman of the Aniocha South Local Government Council. 

Her resignation followed a series of protests against her, sparked by her brother’s interest in the chairmanship while she held a state cabinet position.