Kidnappers of Ex-Delta Commissioner, Joan Mrakpor, Demand N1 Billion Ransom

The abductors of former Delta State Commissioner for Technical Education, Joan Mrakpor, have demanded a ransom of N1 billion for her release, according to a reliable source. The source, who is closely involved in efforts to secure Mrakpor’s freedom, revealed that the kidnappers made contact with the family shortly after the abduction, insisting on the hefty sum as a condition for her release.

The source, speaking anonymously, shared that the family is currently in negotiations with the kidnappers, though they have made it clear they cannot meet the steep demand. “Discussions are ongoing, but nothing has been settled yet,” the source said. “We hope a compromise can be reached soon to ensure her safe return.”

Contrary to circulating rumors on Thursday that Mrakpor had been released, the family has strongly denied these claims, dismissing them as baseless. “The reports of her release are completely false,” the source emphasized. “We are hopeful, but at this moment, they are just rumors.”

When contacted, Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, stated that the police have not been informed about any ransom demand or Mrakpor’s release. “There have been many rumors regarding this case, including one about her death and now her release. However, we have no official information confirming any of these claims, including the N1 billion ransom,” he said.

Joan Mrakpor, a former member of the Delta State House of Assembly and the House of Representatives, was kidnapped on July 30, 2024. The incident occurred at her church, ‘King Jesus and I,’ located off DBS Road in Asaba around 4 p.m. Reports indicate that the kidnappers, after firing indiscriminately to clear the area, abducted Mrakpor and fled in a speedboat waiting at the River Niger.

Tragically, the attack also claimed the lives of two police officers and a POS operator, the latter reportedly killed by a stray bullet. Prior to her abduction, Mrakpor had resigned from her commissioner position to support her younger brother’s bid for chairman of the Aniocha South Local Government Council, a decision that had sparked protests in the area.