Kidnappers of Siasia's mother insist on getting N150m ransom before releasing her

KIDNAPPERS who abducted the mother of Nigeria's Olympic coach Samson Siasia have insisted that he must come up with a ransom of N150m (£487,000) before they set her free despite him saying that he has no money with which to pay them.

 

Earlier this week, armed gun men abducted Siasia's 72 year old mother Ogere from the family home in Odoni village in Bayelsa State in the Niger Delta. Siasia has already made it clear to the kidnappers that they should forget about receiving any ransom from him as he does not have the cash to meet any demands they make.

 

Currently with the Olympic team in Gambia, Siasia admitted he was gradually losing hope about his mother’s release, as those he expected to take up the case are acting unconcerned. He added that for now, it is his family that is dealing with the matter as Nigeria's footballing authorities have not got involved.

 

Siasia said: “As I speak with you my faith in getting my mother released from the kidnappers’ den is fast diminishing because those that are supposed to handle the matter since I am on national duty seem not to be concerned at all. My family contact that is discussing with the kidnappers is still talking to them and they have not changed their position on the N150m ransom request but all my hope is in God Almighty to touch the hearts of the kidnappers to free my mum.

 

“My state government has not said anything about the matter and the worst scenario is that the National Sports Commission (NSC), led by the minister of youths and sports Solomon Dalung, and the director-general of the NSC Mallam Al-Hassan Yakmut have not called me or any member of my family to identify with us in this our trying period. I am not happy at all and it is very sad."

 

 “I have not yet had anything from the federal government on what they are trying to do to rescue my mother. At least everybody knows that I am on national duty and I am very worried about my mother as I have not heard anything and I want to know what they are doing on my behalf.”

 

Siasia's younger brother Moses, who is contesting in the upcoming governorship elections in Bayelsa, also blasted the state and the federal government. He added that the Bayelsa State governor Seriake Dickson has not called any member of the family and neither have any of his aides done so.