Calabar Businessman Pays N10m Ransom To Kidnappers, Dies After Release

By CrossRiverWatch admin

A popular businessman in Calabar, Chief Kenneth Ekeanyanwu Okpala, who was kidnapped and released after being held in captivity for a week has died.

Chief Okpala who died on Tuesday morning was said to have paid the kidnappers N10 million ransom to secure his release from his captors.

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According to a family source, Chief Okpala, who owned a popular bakery in Calabar, reportedly died in a private hospital, where he was said to be receiving treatment from injuries inflicted on him by his abductors while in captivity.

Grace, a cousin to the deceased, said: “He was severely tortured by the kidnappers to ask for more money after we had paid N5 million, but he fell sick while with the abductors which made them to release him, so we had to take him to a private hospital. Unfortunately, he died this morning (Tuesday).“

The Ngor Okpala, Imo State born businessman was abducted from his apartment in Calabar in the early hours of Tuesday, 17th May, 2016.

The increase in incidences of kidnapping of business men in the state capital has sent fears into many of them prompting the Igbo community in Calabar to threaten a total shut down of their businesses if the government does not act quickly to stem the tide.

The Cross Rivers State Police spokesman, Mr. John Eluu, said some arrests have been made and investigation is in progress to stop the tide of kidnappings.”

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