Simon Ekpa Accused of Persisting in Kidnapping for Ransom – Soludo

Governor Soludo alleges that Simon Ekpa remains involved in kidnapping for ransom, intensifying concerns over security challenges in the region.

On Saturday, Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State revealed that Simon Ekpa, a Finland-based self-proclaimed Biafra agitator who was arrested, “has persisted in kidnapping for ransom.”

Soludo mentioned that kidnapping has become a business more profitable than both the drug and oil industries.

Speaking in Awka, the state capital, the governor stated that before his tenure began, gunmen had control over eight local government areas in the state.

Soludo also recounted the incident of his father being kidnapped in 2009.

He mentioned that kidnapping is not a recent issue, noting that his father was kidnapped back in 2009. He also pointed out that GU Okeke, Pokobros, and many others have been victims as well.

Prior to taking office, around eight local government areas were under the control of gunmen.

They attacked and killed police officers, seized firearms, set fire to police stations, and retreated into the wilderness proclaiming themselves liberators.

“We arrived, got to work, and successfully cleared the area, reclaiming the eight local government areas that were under siege. These groups profess to be Biafra freedom fighters. Although IPOB has distanced itself from their actions, Simon Ekpa continues with kidnapping for ransom.”

Kidnapping for ransom has become the most profitable venture, surpassing even drugs and oil in earnings. For every one naira disclosed as a ransom payment, an additional five to six naira goes unreported.

In a culture that values wealth over skill, even kidnappers are now glorified. The criminal idolatry they’ve embraced is rapidly becoming the most popular belief system in the South-East. To them, nothing remains sacred anymore.