Fourteen persons from Okun land were on Monday kidnapped by yet to be identified gunmen in Kogi state.
The victims were kidnapped between Iffe and Egbeda in Ijumu council area of the state.
Amongst the kidnapped was Mrs Kola-Ojo wife to the late Peoples Democratic Party zonal chairman, the late Barr Matthew Kola-Ojo.
The journey was said to be her first trip to Lokoja after concluding the mandatory mourning period of her husband from Okoro-Gbede, but was kidnapped on her way.
It was gathered that five persons were later released by the kidnappers but the late PDP zonal chairman’s wife is still being held by her captors.
President Okun Development Association (ODA), Chief Femi Mokikan, who confirmed the incident, said information at his disposal showed that eight persons were released by the kidnappers.He also said the kidnappers had established contact with a relative of Mrs. Kola-Ojo but were yet to put ransom on her.
According to him: “The person the kidnappers called was a family uncle to the woman, telling him they have Mrs. Kola-Ojo in their custody. But before they could state their ransom, the man’s phone experienced flat battery. We are hoping that they will call back today.
“I got the information about the kidnap about 10:30am and we started shouting to those that matter, including the Special Security Adviser to the Governor, for assistance.”
Chief Mokikan noted that ODA in collaboration with Ijumu local government officials were working assiduously for their release, urging Okun people and the state at large for prayers.