Deacon Monday Ifoghere Chairman, National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Delta State Chapter and, his wife were finally released by kidnappers after spending seven days in their custody.
They were both reportedly kidnapped on Sunday, December 12, 2021, within the Okro market at Egbo, Kokori in Ethiope East Local Government Area of the state while heading home from a journey to Ughelli.
However, sources who spoke with our news men said, days after they were whisked away, the kidnappers demanded for the sum of Two Hundred Million Naira, then reduced it to One Hundred Million Naira and finally Twelve Million Naira.
Family members, private school owners and concerned Deltans raised the Twelve Million Naira ransom paid to the kidnappers who had threatened to kill the two of them if the son who they were in talks with failed to meet up with their demand.
Reports revealed that they were released at about 5am. within Eku axis on Sunday.
At the time of filing this report, the victims have been hospitalized and receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
Confirming the release, an elated Dr. Ochuko Akpeme, NAPPS National Vice President (South South), who was full of praises to God, said the news of the release has elevated his spirit.
He added: “My joy has no boundary. Their release is divine. It is God that made it possible.”
Continuing, he thanked members of NAPPS Delta, saying that they were able to prove to him that they are together, united and have unity of purpose.
Adding: “I am proud of my members and I pray that God will bless them in their time of needs (not kidnapping). They are my brothers. If I use the words members it is an understatement. I am happy..their cooperation, prayers, words of encouragement when our chairman and his wife were abducted cannot be quantified.”
He continued: “I did my own personal thanksgiving today in church. You know what it is. This is something that affected the state chairman from my own state, same local government with me and my successor.
“Whosoever is doing this should come out and repent because judgment will locate them. The God that answered and released them will make the kidnappers to confess and their punishment will serve as a deterrent to others.”
He commended all who gave in their inputs to secure their immediate release.
