Conflicting reports continue to emerge surrounding the alleged release of Hon. Joan Mrakpor, a former member of the Delta State House of Assembly and House of Representatives, who was kidnapped on July 30, 2024.
While some sources claim that Mrakpor has been freed after a ransom of N1 billion was reportedly paid, the Delta State Police have dismissed these rumors, stating they have no information about her release or any ransom demands.
SP Bright Edafe, the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, addressed the swirling rumors, stating, “There have been so many rumors concerning the incident. The other day, a rumor came that she was dead, and now, they are saying she is released. Well, we are not aware of that, not even the N1 billion ransom.”
The abduction occurred on a Sunday afternoon at Mrakpor’s church, ‘King Jesus and I,’ located off DBS Road in Asaba. Witnesses reported that armed men stormed the church around 4 p.m., firing shots indiscriminately to disperse the congregation. Mrakpor was forcibly taken by the assailants, who fled the scene using a speedboat that was waiting at the River Niger.
The incident resulted in the tragic deaths of two police orderlies assigned to protect Mrakpor, as well as a POS operator who was allegedly hit by a stray bullet during the chaos. The kidnapping has sent shockwaves through the community, where Mrakpor had recently resigned from her position in the state cabinet to support her younger brother’s bid for the chairmanship of the Aniocha South Local Government Council.
Her resignation followed a series of protests against her, fueled by allegations that her brother’s political ambitions were creating a conflict of interest due to her influential position in the state government.
As the community awaits credible information regarding Mrakpor’s situation, the police have urged the public to disregard unverified reports and allow law enforcement to carry out their investigation.
The motive behind the kidnapping remains unclear, and no group has claimed responsibility for the act. The Delta State Police Command continues to intensify efforts to ensure her safe return.