The Governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, has accused arrested Finland-based self-acclaimed Biafra agitator, Simon Ekpa of kidnapping for ransom.
Soludo stated this on Saturday during a ceremony held at the International Convention Centre, Awka.
Soludo said kidnapping is currently a business that is more lucrative than drugs and oil.
He lamented that kidnappers in the nation are now celebrated, adding that Idolatry, which the criminals have converted to, has become the fastest-growing religion in the southeast.
He said, “Before I assumed office, about eight local government areas were being controlled by gunmen.
“We came in and went to work and cleared them and we recovered the eight local government areas that were under siege. These gangs claim to be Biafra freedom fighters. IPOB has dissociated themselves from it, but one Simon Ekpa has continued kidnapping for ransom.
“Kidnapping for ransom is now the most lucrative enterprise, even more lucrative than drugs and oil. For every one naira reported as payment for ransom, five to six naira was not reported.
“With a culture that celebrates wealth without craft, even the kidnappers amongst us are now celebrated. Idolatry which these criminals have converted to have become the fastest growing religion in the South-East. Nothing is sacred to them anymore.”
