Kidnappers abduct Clark’s son

By Emma Amaize and Egufe Yafugborhi

WARRI- SUSPECTED kidnappers have abducted Mr. Ebi Clark, son of Ijaw national leader and former Federal Commissioner for Information, Chief Edwin Clark, currently a delegate to the National Conference.

He was reportedly kidnapped, Wednesday, at Clark’s countryhome, Kiagbodo in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State by the gunmen, who invaded the community.

A source told Vanguard that they whisked him away in a speedboat through the Kiagbodo River, connecting

Ramos and Forcados Rivers in Bayelsa and Delta states.

Delta State Police Commissioner, Mr. Ikechukwu Aduba, confirmed the abduction when contacted on phone by Vanguard, saying, “One of the suspects is already with us and we have spread our dragnets to pick up others and secure his release.”

He said the kidnappers struck on Wednesday afternoon, but with the search operation by the police, “I can assure you that they will be no place for them to hide.”

Spokesman of the Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, Mr. Eric Omare, told Vanguard, yesterday, that information at the disposal of the council indicated that Clark’s son had been taken by the kidnappers to their hideout.

His words, “ The IYC officials in riverine areas of Ingbelebiri, Oporomor and Seimbiri clans of Delta and Bayelsa states have been diretcted to trace and fish out the kidnappers.”

He said the IYC would use resources at its disposal to fighting kidnapping and other acts of criminality in Ijaw land.”

An Ijaw youth leader, Mr. Austin Yadah, described the kidnap of Ebi Clark, “as an embarassment”, adding, “Why are our youths not showing respect to elders. Of all persons, what will make them kidnap Chief Clark’s son, is it to distract him from he is doing at the National Conference or what.”

“What ransom do they want him to pay now and why should he pay it. If they want quick money, they should direct their attention somewhere else because no ransom will be paid and we will get them,” he added.