How N32m Was Paid To Free Oronto Dougla's Younger Sister

 

It seems Nigeria's security situation is so porous today that people can no longer rely on security agencies to go in and rescue their loved ones from kidnappers. Even a man working with President Good Jonathan had to pay as much as $200,000 for his sister to regain her freedom? How sad!

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, has said that contrary to claims by family of the released sister of Oronto Douglas, President Jonathan’s aide, the sum of $200,000 (N32m) was paid as ransom before they let her go home.

MEND, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Jomo Gbomo, on Saturday, said:

Though Mrs. Augusta Douglas-Ayam was released unharmed, she however developed high blood pressure and malaria while in captivity.

The militant group also confirmed that it was responsible for the destruction of feeder pipelines and well heads in Bayelsa, Rivers and Delta states from October 20, 2013 to October 26.

MEND's statement reads: “The sister of Mr. Oronto Douglas, special adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Research and Strategy was released unharmed as we promised. She however had developed high blood pressure and malaria during her captivity.

“Contrary to the claim the family made in a press statement that no ransom was paid, The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta can authoritatively confirm that the sum of $200,000 was paid as ransom.

MEND decried the action of some ex-militants who had been paid to declare that militancy ended in 2009, saying, “As they continue to delude themselves, display their ignorance and irrelevance, the region, as can be seen by the world is in turmoil that can no longer be hidden.”