Gunmen abduct Rivers councillor, demand N50m from family

Gunmen have abducted a female councillor from Ogu-Bolo in Rivers State, Hannah Alasomuka, demanding a ransom of N50m for her freedom.

Alasomuka, who represents Ward 6 in Ikpokiri town, in the Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, was kidnapped by three gunmen who shot continuously to scare away residents near a wharf at Igbokiri on Sunday.

A source said the councillor, who is popularly called Nurse, was kidnapped at Igbokiri Wharf in Ogu/Bolo.

Confirming the kidnap, the councillor’s kinsman and Chief Whip of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Evans Bipi, said she was kidnapped on Sunday.

Bipi, in a short text message to our correspondent on Tuesday, said the abductors demanded N50m.

“It happened on Sunday, at 12 midnight at Ikpokiri, opposite the wharf. They (kidnappers) called, requesting N50m or she will be killed,” the text read.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed the incident, adding that the police tactical unit had been mobilised to ensure she was rescued unhurt.

“Yes, I can confirm that. All hands are on deck to ensure her timely release. The tactical unit has been fully mobilised and the Commissioner of Police has given them marching orders to ensure that she is released in record time,” Omoni stated.