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| Sunshine Magazine |
The 82-year-old mother of Nigeria's Minister of Finance,
Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has been kidnapped by unknown gunmen in her native
Ogwashi-Uku in Delta State in the country's oil region, the local media reported
Monday. Prof. Kamene Okonjo was kidnapped by the gunmen who stormed the palace
of her husband, who is the traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku, in two cars
Sunday. Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala, who is also the Coordinating Minister of the
Nigerian economy, confirmed the abduction in a statement.
“At this point, it is difficult to say whether those behind
this action are the same people who have made threats against the Coordinating
Minister in the recent past or other elements with hostile motives. No
possibility can be ruled out at this point.
“This is obviously a very difficult time for the entire Okonjo family. But the family is hopeful of a positive outcome as it fervently prays for the quick and safe return of the matriarch,” the statement said.
The police said it had arrested a man who allegedly left the palace a few minutes before the incident took place.
Though the motive of the abduction is not yet known, kidnapping for ransom is common in Nigeria's South-east and the Niger Delta region.
Kidnappers usually target high-profile personalities, including politicians and their relatives.
Some states in the affected regions have passed laws prescribing the death penalty for convicted kidnappers, but that has failed to stop the crime.
“This is obviously a very difficult time for the entire Okonjo family. But the family is hopeful of a positive outcome as it fervently prays for the quick and safe return of the matriarch,” the statement said.
The police said it had arrested a man who allegedly left the palace a few minutes before the incident took place.
Though the motive of the abduction is not yet known, kidnapping for ransom is common in Nigeria's South-east and the Niger Delta region.
Kidnappers usually target high-profile personalities, including politicians and their relatives.
Some states in the affected regions have passed laws prescribing the death penalty for convicted kidnappers, but that has failed to stop the crime.
