SECURITY agents were battling all yesterday to find the unknown gunmen
who kidnapped Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s mother.
Prof. Kamene Okonjo, 82, was kidnapped by eight gunmen who stormed the Ogbe-Ofu palace of the traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku in Delta State in two cars shortly before 2pm.
The octogenarian Professor of Medicine is the wife of the traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku, Prof Chukwuka Aninshi Okonjo, who was not in town at the time of the incident.
Delta State police spokesman Charles Muka said: “Yes, we have got the information on the kidnap. We also have information that will lead to the arrest of the hoodlums.”
The minister confirmed the kidnapping of her mother. A statement last night by her Special Adviser Mr. Paul Nwabuikwu, entitled: “Abduction of Prof. (Mrs) Okonjo” said: “Earlier today, Professor (Mrs) Kamene Okonjo, wife of Professor Chukuka Okonjo, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku and mother of the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, was abducted from her home in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State.
“At this point, it is difficult to say whether those behind this action are the same people who have made threats against the Coordinating Minister in the recent past or other elements with hostile motives.
“No possibility can be ruled out at this point.
“This is obviously a very difficult time for the entire Okonjo family. But the family is hopeful of a positive outcome as it fervently prays for the quick and safe return of the matriarch.”
The police said it had arrested a man who allegedly left the compound a few minutes before the incident took place.
The man was said to have informed the housemaid that he was in the palace to take the queen mother somewhere in the town.
It was gathered that the kidnappers, numbering about 10, were lurking around the palace, until the woman and her maid came down to serve workers at the gate soft drinks.
Prof. Kamene Okonjo, 82, was kidnapped by eight gunmen who stormed the Ogbe-Ofu palace of the traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku in Delta State in two cars shortly before 2pm.
The octogenarian Professor of Medicine is the wife of the traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku, Prof Chukwuka Aninshi Okonjo, who was not in town at the time of the incident.
Delta State police spokesman Charles Muka said: “Yes, we have got the information on the kidnap. We also have information that will lead to the arrest of the hoodlums.”
The minister confirmed the kidnapping of her mother. A statement last night by her Special Adviser Mr. Paul Nwabuikwu, entitled: “Abduction of Prof. (Mrs) Okonjo” said: “Earlier today, Professor (Mrs) Kamene Okonjo, wife of Professor Chukuka Okonjo, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku and mother of the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, was abducted from her home in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State.
“At this point, it is difficult to say whether those behind this action are the same people who have made threats against the Coordinating Minister in the recent past or other elements with hostile motives.
“No possibility can be ruled out at this point.
“This is obviously a very difficult time for the entire Okonjo family. But the family is hopeful of a positive outcome as it fervently prays for the quick and safe return of the matriarch.”
The police said it had arrested a man who allegedly left the compound a few minutes before the incident took place.
The man was said to have informed the housemaid that he was in the palace to take the queen mother somewhere in the town.
It was gathered that the kidnappers, numbering about 10, were lurking around the palace, until the woman and her maid came down to serve workers at the gate soft drinks.
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