Ijaw leader, Edwin Clark’s son kidnapped

Ebikeme is son of Edwin Clark

Ebikeme Clark, the son of a former federal commissioner and Ijaw leader, Edwin Clark, has been kidnapped.

Mr. Ebikeme was kidnapped on April 2 by gunmen, at the site of the E. K. Clark University of Technology, Kiagbodo in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta, a statement by the Ijaw Youth Council, IYC, said.

“The preliminary investigation by the IYC reveals that Ebikeme was taken to the kidnappers’ hideout through the Kiagbodo River which connects the Ramos and Forcados Rivers in Delta and Bayelsa States. The IYC officials in Oporomo, Ingbelebiri, Mein and Seimbiri Clans of Bayelsa and Delta states have been mandated to trace and fish out the kidnappers,” the Thursday statement signed by the IYC spokesperson, Eric Omare, said.

The IYC also condemned the kidnap of Ebikeme. It said it would work with security agencies in Delta and Bayelsa States to ensure the release of Ebikeme. It also stated its irrevocable commitment to fighting kidnapping in particular and criminality in general in Ijaw land.

The IYC urged the family of the victim not to pay any ransom to the kidnappers in order to discourage kidnapping in Ijawland and in the Niger Delta.

Ebikeme’s father, Edwin Clark, is one of the delegates at the National Conference. He is one of the elder statesmen appointed to the conference by President Goodluck Jonathan.

Kidnapping for ransom has been on the rise in the Niger Delta area particularly in Bayelsa State.

(NAN)