Abductors of Mother of Labour Party Chairman Demand N100m Ransom

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Abductors of Mrs. Elizabeth Omotosho, the mother of the incumbent National Chairman of Labour Party (LP), Dr. Mike Omotosho, have demanded N100million as ransom to secure her release.

A source close to the family who sought anonymity told journalists in Ilorin wednesday that the kidnappers had reached out to the family and requested that a huge sum be paid before the 71-year-old woman could be released from her captivity.

Mrs. Omotosho was reportedly kidnapped last Sunday night by four unidentified gunmen at her residence, 23, Lobalade Street, Tanke, Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

Already, the gateman to the house has been helping the security agencies in their investigations in the state.
The abduction of the septuagenarian came few weeks after Omotosho, who was the 2015 governorship candidate of LP in the state, was elected national chairman of the party.

The source said the abductors insisted that the family must provide the N100million ransom before the old woman could be left from her hostage

According to the source, “When mama was kidnapped last Sunday night, they went away without leaving any sign behind for us to reach out to them. But as I talk to you now, they have reached out to us and demanded that the sum of N100million be paid before they can release mama to us.

“Though we are distraught with this ugly development at this moment in our life, we are optimistic and prayerful that the kidnappers would consider her age and release her in good time.”

Also, in a telephone chat yesterday, the spokesman of the state Police Command, Ajayi Okasanmi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, said the force was on the trail of the suspects
When asked whether the police were aware of any demand by the abductors, Okasanmi replied that he was not in the know, but made the assurance that the old woman would be released soon.

He said: “Department of State Services (DSS) and other sister security agencies are working behind the scene to unravel the identity of the hoodlums.

“We are on their trail. You know this is a sensitive matter and it is better left in a covert way that we are working.

“We have begun investigation on the matter, as our sister agencies are also collaborating with us on this matter. Most importantly, we are working with the team set up by the Inspector General of Police (IG) to ensure safe return of the woman.”