Eight suspects, including a former boat driver of ex-militant leader, Tompolo, simply identified as Joshua, are now in police net in connection with the abduction of the son of the Ijaw national leader, Chief Edwin Clark, Ebikeme (pictured), who regained his freedom on Saturday, after three days in captivity.
Ebikeme Clark, 44 and father of four, was abducted at his Kiagbodo country home, Burutu LGA of the state by seven gunmen on Wednesday evening. He was picked up at the construction site of his father’s Edwin Clark University of Technology, located in the Ijaw community.
His abductors ferried him in a speedboat to Ogriagbene community, Bomadi local government area of Delta State, at about 10pm on Saturday.
It was gathered that no ransom was paid to release him as his abductors were overwhelmed by the concerted efforts of the Ijaw youths, coordinated by the leadership of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) and some ex-militant commanders led by Chief Government Ekpemukpolo, alias Tompolo whose former boat driver was involved in the kidnap as well as all arms of security agencies.
Explaining the circumstances of the release of Ebikeme, commissioner of police, Delta State Comamnd, Mr Ikechukwu Adaba, said the feat was achieved through collaborative efforts between the security agencies and other stakeholders, especially the Ijaw youths and ex-militants.
Adaba said, “The heat was on the kidnappers following the collaborative efforts and the arrest of some suspects, who volunteered information on the planning and execution of the plot. We have arrested eight of them, including the owner of the boat they used to move him into the creeks.
“We also picked up one Joshua, who was identified as an ex-boat driver to Tompolo. Joshua and the first three people we arrested assisted us and they disclosed the identities of others that were involved in the nefarious act.
“Immediately we picked Joshua in Warri, it was clear to others in the creeks that the game was up. It was their own turn to plead that they were ready to release the victim, who has been united with his family”.
