Kidnappers Of Rivers Monarch Demand N5bn Ransom

Barely 25 days after his kidnap in his palace in Ikuru Town, the dare-devil gunmen who brazenly whisked away the Paramount Ruler, King Aaron Miller Ikuru, have finally placed a humongous N5billion ransom before he would be released.

Ikuru Town is a riverine community in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The ransom demand was made known by the spokesman of the palace in an interview with newsmen in the aftermath of the release of another Andoni man and lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, Dr Jones Ayuwo, last Tuesday.

The head of Department of Linguistics and Communication Studies was abducted same day on February 21, 2021, at Bori while returning from a committee meeting on the translation of the Bible into local languages.

The spokesman, Maurice Ikuru, who disclosed this, said the kidnappers made the demand when they contacted his family.

The palace’s image maker said, “They had made contact with the family. They said they want N5billion. But I have not heard anything from them again. But we are believing God that very soon, he will be released.”

Speaking on the kidnap, the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Nnamdi Omoni, said he was optimistic that the monarch would be released soon.

He said the release of the University of Port Harcourt senior lecturer, Dr. Jones Ayuwo on Monday evening would pave the way for the monarch’s release, assuring that police operatives would now beam their searchlight towards discreet efforts to secure the release of the traditional ruler.

“The release of the lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt has paved the way for the king to be released soon.

“We (police) are not resting. Our anti-kidnapping unit, all the tactical commands, are working round the clock. It is a security matter. So, we will not disclose everything.

“We don’t want to use force of arms, but we are working had to ensure he comes out safe and unhurt,” he added, noting that the police would also ensure the culprits are apprehended.

It would be recalled that the gunmen had stormed Ikuru Town and took the monarch away in a speed boat shortly after presiding over a meeting in the community.

The monarch is also the chairman, Governing Council of the state-owned Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUOE), Rumuolumeni, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.