Kidnappers of father of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Simon Ebebi, yesterday demanded N10 million ransom.
Besides, the kidnappers also ask for immediate payment of N400,000 for logistics of kidnapping the old man and his upkeep until his release.
They made it clear that they mean business and as such, the Deputy Governor, Peremobowei Ebebi should not trifle with the demand, as they are willing to go to the extreme if provoked.
THISDAY gathered that the men made the demand via phone call to one of Ebebi�s aides at the Government House.
Meanwhile, state sector Commander of the Joint Military Taskforce, Lt. Colonel Christopher Musa, has said security operatives have arrested five persons over the kidnap.
Briefing newsmen in Yenagoa yesterday, Musa said three of the arrested are in the custody of the State Security Service, (SSS) and are assisting with useful information on the kidnapping, while the other two are with the State police command.
According to Musa, one of the suspects claimed not to be part of the operation, but that his boat was hired for the operation and denied knowledge of the motive for which his boat was hired.
He lamented that some criminals hide under the guise of militancy to perpetrate evil in the region, adding that investigation is still on, as security agencies are desirous of unearthing reasons for the kidnap.
Meanwhile, the 12 militant groups that sign the peace pact with government last week have dissociated themselves from the kidnapping.
The Group, in a joint statement signed with the Bayelsa State Chairman of the Niger Delta Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee, Chief James Jephthah, said they abide by the accord they signed with government.
They, however, frowned at the condemnation of the peace pact by a section of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), saying peace in the region has become imperative, hence their decision to give peace a chance.
Dec132007