10th December, 2012
Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta state said on Channels TV this morning that he has given an order for the rescue within 24 hours of Professor Kamene Okonjo, mother of Nigeria’s minister of finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Professor Okonjo, wife of Professor Ukachukwu Okonjo,a professor of economics and also the traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Ukwu in Delta state, was kidnapped by about 10 armed men in her husband’s palace yesterday.
Uduaghan, whose state has witnessed a series of high profile abductions, did not give details.
“I have given the orders that she (Professor Mrs Kamene Okonjo), must be fished out within the next 24 hours,” he said on Channels TV Sunrise Breakfast programme today.
Pressed further, he declined comments,saying, “I don’t want to discuss about the kidnap because of the nature of the person involved. Let’s just leave it at that”, he said.
The Delta state police command also said that it is on the trail of kidnappers who abducted the 82 year old Professor of sociology.
Spokesman, Charles Muka, said the police have information that will lead to the arrest of the kidnappers.
Professor (Mrs) Kamene Okonjo, was abducted by about 10 gunmen from her home in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta state at about midday on Sunday.
A statement by the Minister’s personal assistant, Mr. Paul Nwabuikwu, confirmed the kidnap and further speculated that the masterminds could be the people on whose toes the minister had stepped, in her efforts to stop the further emasculation of Nigeria’s treasury.
“It is yet to be confirmed if those behind the kidnap, are the same people who have made threats against the coordinating minister in recent, past or other elements with hostile motives”.
Up till this morning, the kidnappers have not made any contact with the family of the victim.