Abducted American Missionary: Kidnappers Reduce Ransom From N60m to N30m

…Victim pleads with parent church in US to raise the fund, ensure her freedom

By Boluwaji Obahopo

LOKOJA – The kidnappers of United States missionary working in Kogi State, Rev. Phyllis Sortor, have reduced the ransom being demanded for her release from N60 million to N30 million, even as The Nigerian Governors Forum led by Governor Jonah Jang has demanded her immediate release.

The kidnappers were said to have called the superintendent of the Free Methodist Missionary church, where the American citizen operate a school, Mr Mathius Emenike, on Tuesday Night demanding a ransom of N60 million before effecting her release.

Vanguard gathered that the kidnappers however called again yesterday and reduced the ransom to N30 million while the woman who was allowed to speak to the church Superintendent begged him to inform the parent school in American to see how the money can be raised to effect her release.

The principal of the school, Mrs Shaibu Roseline Ojone, who confirmed the ransom demand said, “The kidnappers spoke with the superintendent of the missionary church, Mr Mathius Emenike where the ransom was reduced to N30m. In the conversation, Mrs Sortor pleaded with Emenike to try by all means and raise the money to enable her regain her freedom.”

The principal however appealed to the security agents in the state to come to the aid of the school and ensure the timely rescue of the woman.

However, the State governor, Captain Idris Wada has condemned the kidnapping of the American missionary.

The governor in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Mr. Jacob Edi described the act as barbaric and un-godly and “urged the security agencies in the state to do everything necessary to effect her release while those behind the dastardly act should be brought to book.”

Meanwhile, the Governor Jang-led Governors Forum in a statement signed by NGF Secretary and Administrator, Earl Osaro Onaiwu frowned at the abduction of Rev. Phyllis Sortor, describing it as “wicked and an embarrassment to the country that will not yield anything positive for the kidnappers.

The governors affirmed their support for Gov. Wada of Kogi state in his effort to ensure peace and security in the state, just as they called on the security agents to leave no stone unturned at ensuring the safe return of the Reverend.