Fear spread through Jesse Town in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State after armed men kidnapped Mr. Francis Amakare, who is related by marriage to Prince Joseph Orhomonokpaye, the Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Community Newspapers.
Amakare was reportedly abducted late Friday night, September 26, while he was on his way home. Not long after, the kidnappers reached out to his family, demanding a ransom of ₦10 million and warning them not to involve security forces or face serious consequences.
The Sapele–Jesse route has long been considered a hotspot for criminal activity in Delta State, with frequent reports of ritual killings and illegal abductions. Investigations suggest that many of these crimes are carried out by gangs using tricycles, commonly known as kekes, taking advantage of their easy mobility and the ability to operate without drawing attention.
Local vigilante groups, along with security forces, have begun an urgent search for the kidnappers, although the Delta State Police Command has not yet issued an official statement. A visibly distressed Prince Orhomonokpaye is working closely with community leaders and security personnel in a desperate effort to ensure his relative is safely rescued.
The incident has heightened fears about the growing number of kidnappings in Delta State, with residents calling on the government and security agencies to take urgent action before the situation gets worse. As of the time of reporting, negotiations with the kidnappers were still ongoing, and Mr. Amakare’s location was yet to be determined.
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