This weekly update examines the issue of kidnapping for ransom in the Niger Delta with specific focus on Ondo State. Recent trends indicate an increase in reported incidents of kidnapping for ransom in the State. According to data (see map below), over 50 incidents of kidnapping were reported in Ondo State between January 2016 and April 2020. Since January 2020, there has been a rise in the frequency and intensity of inci-dents of kidnapping in the state, particularly in Akoko North-East and Akoko South-West LGAs. In January 2020, for instance, the chairman of a local chapter of a major political party was reportedly kidnapped by gunmen at his residence in Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South-West LGA. In May 2020, 4 persons including, an army officer, were reportedly abducted by gunmen along Kabba-Auga-Akoko highway in Akoko North-East LGA. More recently, on May 20, 2020, a naval officer was reportedly abducted by gunmen in Ago Ajayi village along Ose/Oba Akoko highway in Akoko North-East LGA. The kidnappers of the naval officer demanded a 50 million naira ransom. He was later rescued by security operatives.
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https://pindfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Weekly-Conflict-Update-May-31-June-06-2020.pdf
