Dangote Cement Workers Held Captive For One Week As Kidnappers Demand ₦5 Million Ransom

Workers from Dangote Cement Company Plc in Okpella Community, Etsako Area of Edo State, have been held captive for a week after being kidnapped by gunmen. The kidnappers are demanding a ₦5 million ransom for the release of one of the victims, Abah James Ogwu……..CONTINUE READING....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Key Points:

• Abduction Incident: Last Monday, Ogwu and his colleagues were ambushed and kidnapped by gunmen while returning home on their staff bus.
• Ransom Negotiations: Initially, the kidnappers demanded ₦15 million, but reduced it to ₦5 million after several pleas from the victims’ families.
• Fundraising Efforts: Victor Ogwu, the son of one of the victims, shared that the family has managed to raise ₦2 million through the help of friends, family, and by selling land. However, the kidnappers have not responded after being informed of the amount.
• Appeal for Help: Victor expressed frustration over the lack of police intervention and has called for assistance from Dangote Company and the police force.

Victor Ogwu’s Statement:

Victor detailed the family’s ordeal in an interview with PUNCH. He said, “My dad works in the administrative department, and he was kidnapped as well. The kidnappers called my mother and uncle last week Wednesday. They also called two days later that ₦15 million was the ransom. We pleaded with them that we could not afford it, so they called on Saturday and said they had reduced it to ₦5 million.”

Fundraising Efforts:

Victor added, “We have raised ₦2 million with the help of friends, families and the proceeds from the land we sold in the village. Today, those kidnappers called my uncle and he told them that he has ₦2 million, but they have not said anything since then. We are still waiting for their call. I have been begging online for funds because we do not have enough money for the ransom.”

Call for Intervention:

Victor also highlighted the lack of visible effort from the Edo State Police Command and urged both Dangote Company and the police force to assist in securing the release of the kidnapped workers. He mentioned, “I do not know if the Edo State Police Command is making any effort to ensure their release because I and my mother are based in Ogun State. I want Dangote Company and the police force to intervene in this case, and help us out.”

Police Response:

Chidi Nwabuzor, the spokesperson for the Edo Police Command, confirmed that investigations are ongoing. However, there has been no update on the progress of these investigations or any immediate action being taken to resolve the situation.

This tragic event underscores the urgent need for more effective security measures and support systems to protect workers and their families from such traumatic incidents.