Family pays kidnappers N500,000 for feeding of abducted pastor

The family of an abducted pastor of The Apostolic Church, Ikot Akpa Idem in Ukanafun local government area of Akwa Ibom state are said to have paid his abductors N500,000 for his feeding.

It was learnt that the kidnappers have also reduced the ransom money from N10 million initially demanded to N4 million for the release of Pastor Mfon Akpan Udoneke.

A source close to pastor Udoneke’s family who refused to be named said yesterday in Uyo that the N500,000 Wednesday.

“The latest information on kidnapped Pastor Udoneke is that the family yesterday (Wednesday) paid the sum of N500,000 to the kidnappers for his feeding.

“I was also told this morning that they (the kidnappers) have reduced the ransom from N10 million to N4 million. They are now demanding N4 million ransom; that is still high.

“It may interest you to know that Pastor Udoneke was kidnapped two days after Mrs. Okon Monday Joseph, mother to driver of Special Assistant to Governor Udom on was paid on Protocols was released ransom was paid.

“The security situation in Ukanafun is growing worse by the day. The area is no longer safe. In fact economic activities have crumbled, and people have deserted the affected communities. It is the farming season but if you go to those violence prone communities, you will not find farmers in their farms because many have fled their homes and others are living in fear. It is sad,” he said.

Pastor Udoneke was kidnapped penultimate Monday in his residence by gunmen. after the