Kidnappers Demanded N50 Million But Released 6-Year-Old Boy After Family Pays N3.5 Million Ransom

The family of Okali, the kidnapped six-year-old son of the former Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development in Bayelsa State, Mr. Godknows Powell, has effected his release from the kidnappers’ den after coughing up N3.5m.

The kidnappers had initially demanded N50m from the family of their victim, but later slashed it to N5m.

Though the father had insisted that he could only afford N2m, a security source said Powell and the kidnappers later agreed to take N3.5m after prolonged negotiation.

The source, who craved anonymity, said Okali was released on Thursday afternoon at an unnamed location in Owerri, Imo State capital.

The source said, “As l am talking to you, the parents are racing down to the place to pick him. We believe that he is in good health.”

The child was kidnapped by some unidentified gunmen in the early hours of New Year  along Etegwe in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital.

It was learnt that the victim was kidnapped about 12.45am while returning from a crossover church service.

He was said to be in company with his mother when the hoodlums accosted them, isolated and whisked him away to an unknown destination.

Powell, who served as commissioner in the past administration of Timipre Sylva, was also a former Chairman of Yenagoa Local Government Area during the administration of Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.

Simon Utebor