DELTA State Police Command on Monday, April 07, 2014, paraded the suspected kidnappers of Chief E. K. Clark’s son, Mr. Ebikeme Clark at the state Police Headquarters in Asaba, the state capital, saying that a mouth-watering reward awaits any public-spirited person with useful information to nab fleeing suspects.
Delta Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, after the suspects were paraded, said Ebikeme was released on Saturday midnight after the captors had demanded for N50m ransom, which he insisted was not paid, corroborating Ebikeme’s claim that “No ransom was paid for my release”.
Clark Ebikeme, the kidnapped son of Ijaw national leader, Chief Edwin Clark , was kidnapped last week Wednesday, in his hometown Kiagbodo in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State by masked gunmen operating through the local river in the community.
The Delta police boss has also expressed worry over the whereabouts of Timi, Abel, Ndamaw and Jacob, some members of the kidnap gang involved in the operation and now at large, saying their escape is “extremely dangerous” and poses security threat to the society.
“We want to re iterate that these gang members are extremely dangerous, ruthless schemers and blood tasty, hence we enjoin the good people of Delta State to as quickly as possible alert the police command through any of our distress call numbers: 08036684974, 08125273010 and 08075390753 or alert any of the security agencies in the state with any useful information that will lead to the arrest of the wanted suspects.
“Mouth watering rewards await any public-spirited individual that may come up with useful and genuine tips.
“We want to extend our gratitude to Ijaw youths and members of the family of the kidnapped victim.”
Meanwhile, the Delta State Police Command’s spokesperson, Celestina Kalu, who paraded the suspects on behalf of the Commissioner of Police (CP), said the mastermind of the kidnap was Joshua Ogofa, one of the suspects presently under police custody.
According to her, Joshua Ogofa, a native of Kalafigbene in Bomadi council, had provided the AK-47 rifle used for the operation while other held gang members, David Emevor, a native of Kiagbodo allegedly plotted the kidnapping scheme as an insider, Bosin Kevwe, a native of Aladja, allegedly provided the Audi 80 saloon car used for the operation, Sylvester Dio, a native of Isaba in Ogbe Ijaw, Warri South West council provided the speed boat, Pius Arhavwaren, a native of Olota in Ughelli South council, provided the motorcycles and aided by Prince Meslore, a native of Esama in Bomadi council.
Ex-leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), Chief Government Ekpemupolo, a.k.a. Tompolo is said to have facilitated the early release of Clark’s son, Ebikeme, by the kidnappers.
Speaking on his eventual release by his captors, Ebikeme confirmed that he regained his freedom through the direct intervention of Tompolo.
Ebikeme, who said he was in the custody of the kidnappers in the creeks of Bayelsa State, confirmed that no ransom was paid for his freedom. “As a matter of fact, Chief Tompolo ordered that I should be released unconditionally and they just complied. Tompolo ordered them (abductors) to release me in their own interest. He ordered them to free me and one Chief Boro Opudu. I was freed at about midnight or shortly after midnight.
“No ransom was paid for my release. I think they eventually freed us without asking for any money because they have people they listen to or they could be tracked down and eliminated. Perhaps, they were afraid of losing their lives but I thank Almighty God and everyone that ensured that I was freed.”
“All I know is that they have people in the community aiding them to keep people. You eat whatever you are given… And you don’t expect it to be good enough, especially under the circumstances. I was taken to a community somewhere around Bayelsa State.”
