By Laraba MUREY
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and former Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom have condemned the attack on his former Chief of Staff, CoS, Terwase Orbunde and abduction of his wife and maid and called for their immediate release.
The abductors of the wife, Mrs Abigail Orbunde and housemaid, Patience Ogute, have demanded N100m ransom.
A close ally of Orbunde, Tahav Argezua, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.
Orbunde, alongside his wife and the housemaid, was attacked when they had gone to inspect his farm located close to the Genocide Cemetery along Mobile Barracks-Welfare Quarters Road in Makurdi, the state capital at about 6 pm on Friday.
Argezua said, “The abductors of wife and cook of former Chief of Staff to the Benue State Governor, Terwase Orbunde, yesterday evening have demanded N100m ransom for their release.”
He added that Orbunde, who is being treated for gunshot injuries in an undisclosed hospital in Makurdi, said the abductors spoke to him at about 8:30 am on Saturday through the captives.
Argezua added, “The former Chief of Staff said his wife and cook were very calm when they spoke with him.
“He revealed that during the attack, which took place at about 6 pm yesterday, the gunmen spoke Fulani among themselves and communicated with him in Hausa, saying they would contact him on the phone.”
Reacting to the development, the former Governor in a statement by Akase described the attack as shocking and unfortunate. He urged the assailants to “free the kidnapped victims unconditionally.
“The former Governor equally appeals to security agencies to ensure that Orbunde’s wife and the domestic staff regain their freedom unhurt.”
Chief Ortom who earlier visited Mr. Orbunde in hospital where he is receiving treatment for the gunshot injury prayed for his speedy healing and for the general safety of the family.
Similarly a statement by the State Publicity Secretary of the PDP in Benue, Bemgba Iortyom condemned the attack saying it was an indication of the worsening insecurity in the state.
According to the PDP, “the suspected herdsmen said to be about five in number and armed with automatic weapons reportedly shot the former Chief of Staff in the arm before abducting Mrs. Orbunde and their maid, Patience Ogute, to an unknown destination.
“Pastor Orbunde is said to have been rushed to an undisclosed hospital for treatment, and reports indicate that the abductors this morning spoke with him by phone demanding the sum of N100 million as ransom for Mrs. Orbunde and Ms. Ogute, which they threatened that if not paid, will result in the death of the victims.”
