The family of a retired director kidnapped in Delta State, Emmanuel Ofobrukueta, has called for the intervention of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his rescue from the kidnappers’ den.
The Principal Partner of Forthright Chambers and solicitor for the Ofobrukueta family, Frank Tietie, made the appeal at a news conference in Abuja after his law firm submitted a petition to the IG on the matter.
According to Mr Tietie, the victim, who retired six years ago from the Post-Primary Education Board (PPEB) in Asaba, Delta State, was kidnapped by armed men on January 13 in front of his house in Mosogar, near Sapele, Delta State.
He stated that Mr Ofobrukueta was abducted on the day he was scheduled to travel to Asaba to process and collect his pension.
“The victim had since been in the kidnappers’ den for the past two months in spite of efforts by the Delta State Police Command to rescue him. The victim’s family had been going through pains.As part of effort to rescue the victim, the Ofobrukueta family two days after the incident engaged in some self-help activities including the engagement of a private tracking company to get the victim rescued,” Mr Tietie said.
He added that a sum of N4,020,000 was paid as ransom to the kidnappers through certain individuals who volunteered to deliver the money to the abductors.
“Unfortunately, in spite of efforts by his family, Ofobrukueta has yet to be released by his abductors and no word had been heard from him or the abductors even after the ransom was paid,” Mr Tietie said.
He noted that some of Mr Ofobrukueta family members suspected the victim’s close associates, including the ransom bearers, of collaborating with the kidnappers.
Mr Tietie added that while the victim’s family had begun to lose hope, as solicitors to the family, they remained confident in the ability of the Nigeria Police to handle the case.
“I urge the IGP to directly take interest in the matter of Mr Ofobrukueta. We believe the IGP has the resources and capable men and women of the Nigeria Police Force to deploy to Delta or any part of Nigeria to ensure that the victim is rescued. The IGP, as a matter of social responsibility on the part of the government, should ensure that Ofobrukueta is accounted for as a citizen of Nigeria,’’ he said.
Mr Tietie also urged the Delta State Government to take an interest in the matter to ensure Mr Ofobrukueta’s safe rescue, appealing that the victim’s family should not be abandoned.
He further called on the Nigeria police and relevant authorities to ensure the rescue of victims held in kidnappers’ dens.
(NAN)
