Abductors of Akwa Ibom cleric reduce ransom to N30 million

Kidnappers of John Okoriko, founder of Solid Rock Kingdom church in Akwa Ibom State have reduced the ransom they had earlier demanded from N100 million to N30 million.

Okoriko was abducted on Tuesday from the church premises at Ibekwe in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of the state and whisked by unknown gunmen.

After they established contact with the family, they demanded a ransom of N100 million to be paid for his release.

But a senior church member, who spoke with our reporter on phone said the kidnappers have reduced the ransom from N100 million to N30 million adding that security agencies are on the trail of the kidnappers.

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He solicited the support of all members of the public to provide any form of support and assistance that would assist the security agencies in the prompt release of their church founder.

The church member who spoke on condition of anonymity said it would be difficult to release such an amount demanded by the kidnappers.

Last year, Nelson Effiong, a former senate member was kidnapped and kept for more than a month before he was released. It was not known whether any ransom was paid before his release.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Odiko Macdon had told journalists Tuesday that the commissioner of police in Akwa Ibom State had ordered a discreet investigation into the kidnap of the 75 year-old church founder.