Kidnappers Demand N6m To Free NSCDC Officials; N20m Ransom For Wife Of NRC’s MD

It was gathered that the Eguavoen’s abductors made the ransom demand on Monday when they opened negotiation with his family.

But it could not be ascertained if the ransom demanded by the abductors was for Eguavoen alone.

Recall that the Commandant was abducted last Friday afternoon, alongside Francis Okunwe who is attached at the Area Commander of the Edo North Area Command, around Ewossa before Ekpon in Esan Senatorial District of the State, while travelling to Benin City, the State capital.

Sources at NSCDC said the officials were traveling through Igueben road, due to the bad state of the Benin-Auchi-Okenne highway.

It was gathered that his abductors allowed him to speak with his family members, during which he reportedly urged them to raise the said ransom to enable him regain freedom.

The Commandant was said to have also pleaded that the Redeem Christian Church, where he is a senior usher at Eagles Wings parish of the church in Benin, should intensify prayer to ensure that he is not hurt.

A family member who did not want to be named, said: “we fear for the safety of our brother because from the voice of the kidnappersz we could deduce that they are herdsmen.

“I urge the authorities of NSCDC to intensify efforts to ensure Eguavoen and his colleague’s​ safe return.”

Meanwhile, the authorities of the NSCDC in the State, said they have dispatched operatives into the forests in search of the two abducted colleagues.

Spokesman for the NSCDC in the State, Mr. Efosa Ogbebor, who described the incident as unfortunate, added that its men will comb the forest and ensure their of their colleagues  are released unhurt.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. DanMallam Mohammed, who confirmed the incident, added that a combined operation of security agencies in the state was being put in place to apprehend the abductors.