By Aiyeku Timothy
The kidnapped Acting Ejeh of Akpa, Alhaji Usman Sani has regained his freedom on Sunday and reunited with his family.
Sani, a first-class traditional ruler in Kogi State, who doubles as the Director of Local Government in Ankpa was kidnapped on Friday, 18th December 2020, at about 5:30am while entering a Mosque in Ankpa.
The release of Sani was confirmed by the Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), in Kogi State DSP William Ovye Aya on Monday.
According to the PPRO, the State Commissioner of Police Edeh Ayuba Edeh gave a directive that officers be drafted to the scene of the incident and comb every area within the Eastern axis to ensure the release of the traditional ruler.
The Police PPRO, however, debunked reports that the monarch was released after the families gave ransom to the kidnappers, adding that the monarch was released unhurt.
“I am not aware of any ransom paid to the kidnappers. The kidnappers were under pressure after our officers were drafted to the scene of the incident and other strategic areas that could lead to their waterloo. With this, they had no option than to release him immediately. We are making frantic efforts to arrest those criminals behind this act. Kogi can never be a safe haven for criminals” he stated.
Meanwhile, a former Chairman of Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Barrister Isaac Emmanuel Ekpa, who was also kidnapped on Friday, 18th December 2020, around Ochadamu in Ofu Local Government Area of the state, while on his way to his country home is yet to be released, the PPRO confirmed.
Ekpa, who according to family sources is the current aide to a serving Senator from Kogi East was said to be making preparations for his late father’s burial before the sad event took place. The kidnappers are said to be demanding N25 million ransom while the family are negotiating the sum of N1 million.
