A trader identified as Mr. Kenneth Ekeanyanwu, has died barely two weeks after he paid N10m as ransom to secure his release from kidnappers in Calabar, Cross River State.
The man who owned Daybreak Bakery along Chamley Street in Calabar, was kidnapped by gunmen from his factory on May 6 and was said to have been released on May 11.
However, after paying the money, Ekeanyanwu was taken straight to the hospital after he gained freedom due to his deplorable health condition as a result of his torture by the kidnappers. He later died at the hospital.
According to reports, Igbo traders had threatened to close down all shops operated by traders from the South-East extraction in Calabar to protest against the incessant kidnap of their kinsmen. The sudden death of Ekeanyanwu will surely cause tension in the area as traders have complained endlessly about their predicament without any help.
According to a Punch report, the President-General, Igbo Community in Cross River State, Chief Albert Enya, has expressed shock over the demise of Ekeanyanwu.
He stressed that his death was unacceptable, adding that government must take extreme measure to stop kidnapping.
Enya said, “The news of Kenneth Ekeanyanwu’s death is a big shock to the Igbo community in the state and it is highly unacceptable. The government must intensify effort to completely annihilate this hydra headed problem.
“We want appeal to the Governor Ben Ayade and the Cross River State House of Assembly to pass the law on death penalty against kidnappers as obtainable in states like Anambra, Edo and few others. This is the only way to handle this matter that will serve as a deterrent to others.”
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. John Eluu, said he was not aware of the development.
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