80-year-old former Benue LG chairman dies in kidnappers’ den despite ransom payment

A former chairman of Ukum Local Council, Iorwashima Erukaa, in Benue State, who was abducted a few weeks ago has died in kidnappers’ den despite ransom payment. 

80-year-old Erukaa was kidnapped from his home at Tse-Erukaa in Zaki Biam, the headquarters of Ukum Local Council on September 23, 2023. 

It was gathered that a family member identified as BenJones Erukaa, who went to deliver the first ransom was also abducted and kept in captivity with the old man. 

Family source said BenJones, who was freed on October 20, met and spoke with the octogenarian in the kidnappers’ hideout. 

The source said contrary to the widely held assumption that Pa Erukaa was killed by his abductors, the old man died in his sleep while in the custody of his abductors. 

Spokesperson of the state Police Command, Catherine Anene, said she was yet to be briefed on the development.

Channels Television Presenter, Charles Erukaa who is the eldest son of the deceased confirmed the incident. 

Charles said that his late father was held till his death by the kidnappers for 34 days despite ransom paid at different times and even the subsequent hostage of his cousin, Ben Jones Iorbee Erukaa, by the kidnappers when he went to deliver the first N1 million ransom.

He noted that the kidnappers demanded N12m in their first contact with the family and later reduced it to N10m.

He added that they soon came down to N5m and when his cousin, Iorbee Erukaa went with the N1m ransom, he was held hostage along with his father, until additional N2m was paid. 

He said the kidnappers had promised to release both men, but only his cousin, Iorbee, was released

“Well, unfortunately we cannot tell at this moment when he died because we are still investigating the circumstances and of course the general area where he was held to be able to retrieve his body

“As we speak now, his body has not been retrieved but we believe that will be done today, (Monday),” Charles said.