My kidnappers begged for forgiveness – Edwin Clark’s son

By Emma Amaize, regional Editor, South-south

IT’S not easy to seize a prey from the mouth of the tiger, but that was exactly what the Delta Waterways Security Committee, DWSC, Warri, did, last Sunday, when it forced kidnappers of Mr. Ebikeme Clark, son of a former Federal Commissioner for Information, Chief Edwin Clark, to unconditionally release him, four days after he was taken hostage in Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State.

THERE was an instantly recognizable vibrancy in the tone of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, as he spoke to Sunday Vanguard, on the release of  Ebikeme.

His joie de vivre, it was later found out, had to do with the novel strategy deployed by the DWSC to secure the release of the victim.

DWSC, a security group, comprising former Niger-Delta agitators, youth leaders and professionals, is the first committee that Uduaghan inaugurated on assumption of office in 2007, to ensure peace and security on the waterways of the state, and provide intelligence  to security agencies, among other things.

Uduaghan was understandably worried that Clark’s son was kidnapped and, given the information available to him, it was a matter that native intelligence had to be applied.

Sunday Vanguard learnt that Uduaghan, who insisted that no ransom should be paid, contacted the leadership of the committee and tasked it to secure the release of Ebikeme.

He said, “The committee has justified my confidence in it with the adroit manner it went about the rescue operation.”

Mr. Ebikeme Clark

Strategy that paid off

A top member of the committee said, “When the governor spoke to the leadership of DWSC, it was obvious to us that we must perform since the marshy terrain will be difficult for the police, the army and DSS to penetrate.”

He then narrated the strategy that rescued Clark’s second son: “What happened is that we first went on intelligence gathering to find out the people who carried out the kidnappin. We sent our boys in Ijaw axis to find out the gang that abducted Ebikeme and its whereabouts; the DWSC member said.

“Our machinery worked well and we got information on the gang, their leader, simply identified as Joshua. We arrested a member of the gang, who claimed he only participated in the planning and the man whose speed boat was used to whisk Ebikeme to the den of the kidnappers in the creek. They were handed over to the police and they made useful statements on the crime and their co-conspirators.

“Thereafter, we traced some of the family members of those holding Ebikeme in the creek. Our plan was to arrest more of their family members, but satisfied that we had them where we wanted them with the arrest of three suspected members of the gang, we called them on the phone number we obtained from their men in our custody that the game is up.

Linchpin

“It was in the course of investigation that  we found out that the kidnapping  was masterminded by the driver to an ex-militant leader in the Niger-Delta. He hails from Kalafigbene in Bomadi council. He was the one that provided the AK-47 rifle used for the operation.

“His boss did not know anything about his involvement until we informed him and he worked with DWSC thereafter.

“At first, they played hard, but when we made their members in our net to speak to them, they understood that we had gone ahead of them, as we threatened that if Ebikeme was not released in less than three days, we will go after their other family members.

“The gang thought we were bluffing when we told them we knew them and had some of their family members with us, which was why we made their loved ones to speak to them.   I believe that was what weakened them.”

New tune

At this stage, the suspected kidnappers, the DSWC official stated, began to beg that we should spare their families and save them from going to jail, but we told them that they must release Ebikeme hale and hearty.

Release

“When the fear-gripped kidnappers dropped Ebikeme, they sent a message to the Vice Chairman of DWSC that they had dropped him at a location,” he said. “Following the text message, DWSC mobilized to Bomadi, between 1.00 am and 2.00 am. It was the committee that informed Ebikeme’s  father, Chief Clark,  about the rescue and he told us where to take him to.”

The official said the wife and children of the one of the suspected kidnappers, who were arrested by DWSC, were still in police custody on Sunday morning when the gang released Ebikeme.

“I am, however, pleading that police should release the wife and children because they had no hands in the kidnapping.

Mr. Dickson Bekederemo, a cousin and legal adviser to  Clark, told Sunday Vanguard  that the rescue of Ebikeme  was the handiwork of DWSC.

He said a member of the committee contacted him in the early hours of Sunday that the kidnappers sent a text message to the effect that the victim  had been released, adding, “I joined him and we went to Bomadi with a team of security to bring him.”

Ebikeme himself said he was astounded hours before he was released, when the kidnappers started begging him to forgive them and plead with government not to kill them or harm their families.

He spoke of how they tied his hands and legs, and took him to the high sea, threatening to throw him into the water because his father was “stubborn” and refused to pay them ransom.

Delta State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, said  his command was worried over the whereabouts of other members of the kidnap gang still at large.

“Other gang members still at large, according to him,  include Timi, Abel, Ndamaw, and Jacob. “The suspects further confessed to being behind the kidnapping of one Madam Rose at Udu Road, Warri, from whose family they collected a ransom of N1.8 million,” Aduba added.

The State Police Command’s spokesperson, Celestina Kalu, who paraded the suspects on March 7, said one of them, Joshua Ogofa, was the master mind.

Another, David Emevor, a native of Kiagbodo, was said to have been “the Judas” who plotted the kidnapping as an insider. Ebikeme  told Sunday Vanguard that the suspect  kept tab on him for two months. Bosin Kevwe, a native of Aladja, allegedly provided the Audi 80 saloon car used for the operation.

Sylvester Dio, a native of Isaba in Ogbe Ijaw, Warri South West council, was said to have provided the speed boat. Pius Arhavwaren, a native of Olota in Ughelli South council, provided the motorcycles used for the operation.

 

 

Source-vanguard

My kidnappers begged for forgiveness – Edwin Clark’s son

Police parade Clark"s son kidnappers

ASABA—DELTA State Commissioner of Police Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, yesterday, paraded the suspected kidnappers of Chief E. K. Clark’s son, Mr. Ebikeme Clark at the state police headquarters, Asaba.

He said the command was seriously worried over the whereabouts of some members of the kidnap gang that carried out the operation, which he described as “extremely dangerous.”

According to him, “other gang members still at large include Timi, Abel, Ndamaw, and Jacob.

“The suspects further confessed to being behind the kidnapping of one Madam Rose at Udu Road, Warri, from whose family they collected a ransom of N1.8 million.

“We want to re iterate that these gang members are extremely dangerous, ruthless schemers and blood tasty, hence we enjoin the good people of Delta State to as quickly as possible alert the police command through any of our distress call numbers: 08036684974, 08125273010 and 08075390753 or alert any of the security agencies in the state with any useful information that will lead to the arrest of the wanted suspects.

“Mouth watering rewards await any public-spirited individual that may come up with useful and genuine tips.

“We want to extend our gratitude to Ijaw youths and members of the family of the kidnapped victim.”

State Police Command’s spokesperson, Celestina Kalu, who paraded the suspects on behalf of the CP, said one of the suspects, Joshua Ogofa, is the master mind.

A native of Kalafigbene in Bomadi council, he was said to be the driver of an ex militant warlord and provided the AK-47 rifle used for the operation.

Another is David Emevor, a native of Kiagbodo. He was said to have plotted the kidnapping scheme as an insider. Bosin Kevwe, a native of Aladja, allegedly provided the Audi 80 saloon car used for the operation.

Sylvester Dio, a native of Isaba in Ogbe Ijaw, Warri South West council, was said to have provided the speed boat. Pius Arhavwaren, a native of Olota in Ughelli South council, provided the motorcycles used for the operation and Prince Meslore, a native of Esama in Bomadi council.

 

Police parade Clark"s son kidnappers

Clark"s son stage-managed his abduction - MEND accuses

By Ehi Ekhator

The Movement for Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) has accused Chief Edwin Clark’s son, Mr. Ebikeme, who was said to have been kidnapped, of orchestrating his own abduction.

Edwin Clark

This was contained in a statement signed by its Spokesman, Gbomo Jomo. He alleged that the kidnappers were paid N500 million contrary to the claimed by Clark’s family and police that no ransom was paid.

Gbomo further revealed that the money was shared by persons involved in the scam, and added that the money was paid by Delta State Government from its security vote.

Insisting that Ebikeme stage-managed his abduction, MEND accused the Delta Police Command of lying to members of the public that no ransom was paid.

MEND said : “The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has confirmed that the kidnap of Mr Ebikeme Clark, the son of Chief E.K Clark, was actually a clever orchestrated fraud masterminded by Ebikeme who stage-managed his own abduction.

“A ransom of 500Million Naira was paid by the Delta State Government from its security vote and was shared amongst all those involved in this scam.

“Mr Ebikeme is following in the footsteps of his father where the Senior Clark is amongst those that hatched the fraudulent Niger Delta Amnesty Programme which has only made billionaires of a few thugs and him, at the detriment of millions of impoverished indigenes and the peace and security in the region.

“It is rather unfortunate that in a desperate bid for relevance and extra funds to maintain a private jet, certain unscrupulous persons, including the Delta State Police will conspire to deceive Nigerians with a phantom abduction, release of the so-called hostage, influence over kidnapers and arrest of suspects and denying the payment of a ransom which has already been shared.” (0)

Clark"s son stage-managed his abduction - MEND accuses

Jubilation as kidnappers free Clark"s son

Meanwhile, the Ijaw Youths Congress, has commended security agencies for freeing Mr Ebikeme Clark, son of Chief Edwin Clark from his abductors.

Edwin Clark

The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that Ebikeme was abducted by gunmen on April 2 in Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta.

A statement issued on Sunday by Mr Eric Omare, spokesman for IYC described the unconditional release of Ebikeme on Sunday morning as triumph of collective will against criminality.

Omare said Ijaw youths joined forces with security agencies and ensured the release of Ebikeme.

“This clearly demonstrates to the entire world and Nigerians in particular that crimes only thrive in the society when it is condoned and given tacit support by members of the society.

“The IYC believes that there is a valuable lesson to be learnt from this experience by Nigerians and the government in the fight against crimes, especially terrorism in the Northern part of the country.”

Omare urged state governments and oil firms in the Niger Delta to create jobs for youths in the area to enable them contribute to the development of the region.

“We once again call on oil companies and state governments in the Niger Delta region whose oil revenue have increased as a result of the cessation of militancy in the Niger Delta to live up to their responsibility of providing and creating jobs in the post amnesty era.

“The fight against kidnapping, oil theft and other social vices in the Niger Delta region cannot be successful without relevant stakeholders taking drastic steps to address the economic situation of our people.

“The training acquired by ex-agitators through the amnesty programme would not achieve its purpose without the provision of jobs for the beneficiaries,” Omare said.

Jubilation as kidnappers free Clark"s son

Clark"s son kidnappers demand N50 million ransom

Kidnappers of Ebikeme Clark, second son of Ijaw National Leader, Chief Edwin Clark, have demanded for a N60 million ransom for the release of their hostage.

Edwin Clark

The ransom demand came just as the Delta State Police Command said that it was making progress on its efforts to free Ebikeme from his kidnappers, even as it informed that the lone suspect in its custody had been cooperative, providing helpful information on the identities and whereabouts of his comrades in crime.

Meanwhile, the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC) has reiterated its warning to the Clark family not to succumb to the pressure to pay ransom to the kidnappers as this would only encourage the continued growth of the crime of kidnapping in the oil-rich Niger Delta.

The kidnappers contacted the family to demand for the ransom yesterday, stating it as the condition for their hostage’s freedom.

Disclosing the development, the spokesperson of the Delta State Police Command, Celestina Kalu (DSP) said the command was, in the process of freeing the hostage unconditionally.

According to her, “the arrested suspect has started talking and he is helping us with a lot of useful information. He has also given the names of the people that kidnapped Chief Clark’s son. They have contacted the family and demanded N60 million. We are still trailing them and I can assure you we are getting close to them.”

Meanwhile, the IYC said it had enlisted the services of some freedom fighters in Delta and Bayelsa states to join in the search and rescue operation for the kidnappers of the son of Ijaw national Leader.

In a statement issued and circulated by its spokesman, Eric Omare, the IYC said it had placed communities around the areas the kidnappers are hiding under alert, warning the family not to pay ransom.

“To this extent, all the Ijaw communities and leaders in the communities close to the coastal parts of Delta and Bayelsa States have been contacted to form rescue team to curb all the creeks, towns and villages in a bid to free Mr. Ebikeme Clark without delay. The Ijaw people and communities are totally against kidnapping, sea piracy and other social vices.

“Also some ex-Niger Delta freedom fighters have volunteered to join forces with the IYC and security agencies to effect the release of Mr. Ebikeme Clark. While we appreciate the pains the Clark family may be going through, the IYC reiterates its position that ransom should not be paid to kidnappers. This is another case of commercial kidnapping, hence payment of ransom must be discouraged”, the statement said. (0)

Clark"s son kidnappers demand N50 million ransom

Tension hightens as Police arrest alleged Clark"s son kidnapper

The ongoing search for the kidnapped politician and second son Chief Edwin Clark, the Ijaw leader, Ebikeme Clark, has continued to generate ethnic tension and anger from across Ijaw nation, even as police makes its first arrest.

Police Team

The Delta state police command, Thursday, confirmed, that it arrested a suspect in connection with the kidnap of Ebikeme Clark at the waterfront where the gang escaped from.

As the search goes on, however, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), has warned the Clarke family to resist any pressure to pay ransom for the release of their loved one, noting that it had initiated a plan, which would be executed in collaboration with security agencies, to free the hostage without cost.

Ebikeme, who contested for a National Assembly seat on the platform of the Democratic People’s Party (DPP) in the 2011 elections, was reported kidnapped Wednesday evening in Kiagbodo, Burutu council area of Delta state.

The Nation gathered that Ebi, as he is fondly called, was at the site of the E.K. Clark University of Technology, where he had gone to attend to the wages of site work men when the gang of kidnappers attacked him, firing several shots into the air to scare workers away from the vicinity.

Although there was yet to be any contact with the family by the kidnappers as at the time of filing this report, it was gathered that the family and the intelligence gathering unit of the Ijaw major bodies already knew where the kidnappers headed to with their hostage.

Efforts to get Ijaw national Leader, Chief Clark, to speak on the development failed, but some persons close to him gave an idea of what the situation was.

Chief Clark’s counsel, Barr. Dickson Bekederemo, was the first to informed the Nation of the arrest of one of the suspects, adding that the entire Ijaw nation had been upset by the development.

“It was done in collaboration with some Urhobo boys and one of them has been arrested. He’s from Aladja. They are yet to make any contact with the family, but all efforts are being made to ensure that he is rescued at no cost. The entire Ijaw nation is angry over this”, Bekederemo said.

In its reaction to the development, IYC, in a statement issued and circulated to the media in Warri on Thursday by its spokesman, Eric Omare, the council said it had spread its contacts out to all accesses surrounding the direction the kidnappers headed, instructing that they be fished out.

The council, which pointed out that it would work with security agencies in Delta and Bayelsa states to secure Ebi’s freedom, warned the Clark family not to pay ransom, saying this is the only way to discourage kidnapping in the Niger Delta.

“The preliminary investigation by the IYC reveals that Mr. Ebi Clark was taken to the kidnappers’ hideout through the Kiagbodo River which connects the Ramos and Forcados Rivers in Delta and Bayelsa States. To that extent, IYC Clan officials in Oporomo, Ingbelebiri, Mein and Seimbiri Clans of Bayelsa and Delta States have been mandated to trace and fish out the kidnappers. The IYC officials would work with security agencies in Delta and Bayelsa States to ensure the release of Mr. Ebi Clark.

“The IYC once again wish to state its irrevocable commitment to fight kidnapping in particular and criminality in general in Ijaw land. While efforts are been made by the IYC in conjunction with security agents to free Mr. Ebi Clark, we wish to advice family members not to pay any sort of ransom so as to discourage kidnapping in Ijawland and the Niger Delta region,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Delta state police command, Celestina Kalu (DSP), has confirmed the arrest of a suspect and the recovery of a car in connection with the case.

“An arrest has been made and a car recovered so they are transferring it to the state anti-kidnap unit for investigation. The suspect was arrested near the waterside and his vehicle was recovered”, she said.

She also said police was yet to be informed of any contact with the family by the kidnappers or a demand for ransom.

Tension hightens as Police arrest alleged Clark"s son kidnapper