Panic as gunmen kidnap govt contractor in Delta, demand ransom

Tension has gripped the Ogwashi-Uku community in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State following the abduction of a prominent government contractor, Engineer Lucky Ugbo.

Sources reveal that the contractor was kidnapped at about 8:45 p.m. four days ago at his residence along Isah Road, plunging the neighborhood into fear and uncertainty. The gunmen, believed to be kidnappers, reportedly stormed his home and whisked him away without resistance.

Family members confirmed that the abductors established contact on Sunday, July 13, initially demanding a staggering ransom of ₦200 million. The figure was later slashed to ₦100 million, as negotiations for his release continue.

Community sources, who lived close to Ugbo’s house, said the operation was carried out by heavily armed gunmen, who invaded Ugbo’s residence and took him away at gunpoint.

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“The gunmen were heavily armed and were dressed like security agents. They laid siege in an uncompleted building close to his house, and waited,” a source narrated.

“He went out and was just entering his house when they stopped him as his wife came out to open the front door for him.”

The gunmen fired shots indiscriminately into the air, before marching their victim into the darkness on foot.

“Many of us who live close, watched the incident from afar. We thought the gunmen were security agents.”

“Since the incident, the kidnappers have called his wife twice; they called on Sunday and demanded N200 million ransom, and today, Monday morning, they called again and demanded N100 million as ransom,” the source added.

The spokesperson of the State Police Command, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident.

“Yes, it’s confirmed. The police are intensifying efforts to track down the kidnappers and rescue the victim,” he added.