A popular businessman in Calabar, Chief Kenneth Ekeanyanwu Okpala, released after being held in captivity for a week by suspected kidnappers after payment of N10 million ransom by his family reportedly died yesterday morning.
According to a family source, Chief Okpala, who owned a popular bakery in Calabar, reportedly died in a private hospital, where he was said to be receiving treatment from injuries inflicted on him by his abductors while in captivity. Grace, a cousin to the man, said:
“He was severely tortured by the kidnappers to ask for more money after we had paid N5 million, but he fell sick while with the abductors which made them to release him, so we had to take him to a private hospital. Unfortunately, he died this morning (Tuesday)“
The Ngor Okpala, Imo State born businessman was abducted from his apartment in Calabar in the early hours of last week Tuesday. He happened to be one of the prominent businessmen kidnapped in the city in recent times which has sent fears into many businessmen in the city prompting them to go underground or relocate temporarily for fears of being kidnapped.
The Cross Rivers State Police spokesman, Mr. John Eluu, said some arrests had been made and more investigations in progress to stop the tide of kidnappings.”
Vanguard