18th February, 2016
Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt
Kidnappers of Madam Patience Tam-George, the 85-year old mother of the Rivers State Commissioner of Information and Communication, have reduced the ransom they demanded from N30 million to N25 million for her release.
Madam Patience Tam-George was abducted by gunmen in Okrika, Rivers State, southern Nigeria, about six days ago.
One of her sons, Godknows Tam-George, who served as a Special Adviser on NDDC Affairs under the Rotimi Amaechi-led government, said the abduction of their mother is not politically motivated as alleged by his brother, Austin Tam-George.
He said the abduction is purely a criminal act and has nothing to do with politics.
The explanation of Godknows Tam-George is at variance with opinion canvassed by Austin Tam-George, Commissioner for Information and Communications who said his mother’s kidnap was sponsored and executed by a rival political party.
Godknows Tam-George also appealed to the kidnappers to free the woman, considering her health condition and that she had been without medication since she was kidnapped about six days ago.
Godknows Tam-George also confirmed to our correspondent that the kidnappers have agreed to reduce the ransom to N25 million.