By CrossRiverWatch Admin
The Cross River State Government has confirmed earlier reports by CrossRiverWatch that kidnapped water resources commissioner, Gabriel Odu-Oji was abducted in his lover’s apartment as suggested by sources.
The State Security Adviser, Jude Ngaji told The Guardian that contrary to reports that Odu-Oji was kidnapped in a restaurant, he was kidnapped in his lover’s apartment and described the situation as “not a case of normal kidnapping.”
“The whole thing is beyond mere kidnapping as it is being reported. There are a lot of issues surrounding the matter, including even domestic issues,” Jude said.
He continued: “It was not a case of normal kidnapping. Normal kidnapping cannot be a situation where a kidnapper comes into your house, pick you up and go away. He was not abducted in a restaurant as it was reported.”
Odu-Oji was kidnapped on the morning of April 9, 2017 along Mayne Avenue in Calabar South local government area, barely 24 hours after Cross River Governor, Senator Ben Ayade directed the relocation of the anti-crime outfit, ‘Operation Skolombo’ to the local government and has spent 18 days with his abductors.
Unconfirmed information suggests the kidnappers demanded NGN100 million ransom which Ngaji denied.
“I am not aware of any demand for N100 million ransom. Our position as a government is that we don’t pay ransom to kidnappers.
“The police authorities and other security agencies are doing their work and we are working towards his release between today and tomorrow and after that we would talk to the press. I cannot say more than that for now,” he said.
He however promised that Odu-Oji will be released between yesterday (Wednesday) and today (Thursday).
“By the end of today(Wednesday) or latest tomorrow(Thursday) he will be released. When he is out, I will address the media,” he said.
This remains the first major statement from the state since Odu-Oji’s kidnap with CrossRiverWatch earlier reporting that officials were hoarding information.