Kidnappers of Professor Nimi Briggs, the former University of Port Harcourt vice chancellor and chairman, Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission are demanding for a N100 million ransom for his freedom.
This is coming on the heels of allegations by Governor Chibuike Amaechi that the kidnappers were known sponsors who are aiming to pull down his administration and intimidate people into the �old order.� Amaechi pledged that the detractors would not succeed.
Although, the demand was confirmed by the Rivers State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Felix Ogbaudu, there were, however, conflicting reports on how the demand was made.
While some said that the kidnappers called Governor Amaechi on his mobile phone to make the demand, others said they called Brigg�s sister.
Some sources said the call was made through the phone to Brigg�s sister when Amaechi went to the residence of the hostage at New Ghana-Ama to visit the wife of the professor.
The source said when the kidnappers called, the phone was handed over to the governor.
While some sources claimed that Amaechi has commenced negotiations with the kidnappers, others said the Governor was still maintaining his stand that he would neither negotiate nor pay ransom.
A Statement by the director of press to the governor, Mr. Ogbonna Nwuke said the kidnap had the semblance of known gangs and their sponsors, pointing out that the raid by the Joint Task Force of a gang area yielded police and army uniforms used by the hoodlums.Those who kidnapped Briggs, who is also the Chairman of Rivers State Economic Advisory Committee, were said to have been five in number and wore army uniforms.
They gained entry into his residence by lying to his security man at his home that they had an appointment with the professor. When taken inside and were talking to Briggs� wife, the professor walked in and was taken away by the group.
Amaechi condemned the kidnap, pointing out that it had nothing to do with fighting the cause of the Niger Delta of which Professor Briggs has distinguished himself as an ardent protector.
The university community also issued a statement condemning the action as �a flagrant violation of the sanctity of the university campus as a centre for academic excellence.�
Dec152007