From Isaac Job, Uyo
Sea pirates who kidnapped Akwa Ibom radio comedian Odey Mathias, popularly known as General Odey, and 19 other passengers along the Cross River-Akwa Ibom waterways have given the victims’ families until Friday, May 2, to pay an N80 million ransom or face execution.
The abduction occurred on Good Friday, April 18, when gunmen intercepted the Akwa-Cross Transport Company boat travelling from Oron, Akwa Ibom, to Calabar, Cross River.
Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, confirmed the incident but noted that the Cross River State Police Command is leading the investigation, limiting details on rescue operations.
A source close to one victim’s family, who requested anonymity, revealed that the kidnappers initially demanded N100 million but reduced it to N80 million on Thursday, May 1, 2025, with a stern warning: “Pay by tomorrow, or they die.”
A viral social media post by Odey’s family on May 1 pleaded for public support, stating, “I have been hesitant to make this public post, but upon hearing that his family has been given tomorrow as the deadline to pay N80m for his release or face the music, my heart is broken.” The post shared a Zenith Bank account number for contributions, urging philanthropists to help secure the victims’ release.
Akwa Ibom Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, assured journalists, “The police are making frantic efforts to rescue the victims.” However, no specific updates on rescue operations were provided as of May 1.
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