Gunmen kidnap pregnant woman, collect N10m ransom for her release, police deny knowledge of incident
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Gunmen abducted a pregnant woman and five men, released her after collecting N10 million ransom; they killed one, released two of the men upon payment of another ransom, but two are still held captive.
The six victims were kidnapped in Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha South Council of Delta within a week.
It was learnt that one, Welfred Ifeanyichukwu, who was abducted along with his pregnant wife, was killed, and two were released after huge ransoms were paid to the abductors.
A resident lamented the development has created tension in Ogwashi-Uku.
“My brother, what we are passing through in Ogwashi-Uku community is hell, it’s now a dangerous zone as over six persons were kidnapped within six days,” he told The PUNCH.
“One of our brothers, Ogochukwu Welfred Ifeanyichukwu, was kidnapped and killed on December 23, 2024. They took his pregnant wife away, but she was released after three days with a ransom of N10 million.
“Between December 23 and January 2, 2025, six persons were kidnapped in Ogwashi-Uku. Two have been released with ransom, while two are still in captivity. We don’t know their fate as of today.
“There is apprehension in the community as I speak now. No security in the community, lives and property are not safe.”
But Delta Police Command Public Relations Officer Bright Edafe, a Superintendent of Police, said: “I am not aware of any development like this. Maybe the victims didn’t report. Till now no report. So much rumour can’t be confirmed.”
Police confirm probing bride who allegedly poisoned food served at her wedding which killed guest, made groom critically ill
Up North, however, police have confirmed the arrest and interrogation of a bride who allegedly poisoned food served at her wedding reception which led to the death of a guest and left her groom critically ill.
Eyewitnesses said the incident, which occurred in Jahun Council of Jigawa, might have been driven by the bride’s personal vendetta.
Jigawa Police Command Police Public Relations Officer Shi’isu Adam confirmed the incident, adding that an investigation is underway.
“We received a report that the bride had tainted the food served at the wedding reception, leaving the groom critically ill.
“Police have arrested two suspects in connection with the alleged food poisoning incident that occurred during a wedding ceremony in the state,” Adam said.
He disclosed the two suspects are the bride and another female, saying they are in custody and being interrogated by the Police Criminal Investigation Department.
“We will do everything in our power to ensure that justice is served,” he pledged.
According to Adam, all the wedding guests who consumed the poisoned food have been discharged from hospital, except one who was confirmed dead.
“The command is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, and we will provide more details as soon as possible.
“For now, we can confirm that the incident occurred, and we are working tirelessly to unravel the facts. We urge the public to remain calm and assured that justice will be served.”
The identities of the deceased, the groom, and other victims have not been disclosed by the authorities.
Social media commenters have criticised the bride over the alleged food poisoning.
Read also:
Pardoned chicken theft death row convict returns home with mental health disorder
