By Abdul Rahman Aliagan
As the 2019 general election drawing closer, political narrative has began to change as the gunmen who kidnaped a former Senator representing Ekiti North Senatorial District, Mr Ayo Arise, have demanded a ransom of N80 million before he is released.
Mr Arise was kidnapped with his driver on Sunday evening along the notorious Okene-Abuja highway on his way to Abuja from his country home, Oye Ekiti. The APC stalwart was attended a ceremony at Ikere Ekiti on Saturday, where a chieftaincy title was conferred on the Assistant Inspector General of Police (rtd), Mr. Tunde Ogunsakin.
Arise was said to have been traveling in his Mercedez Jeep when the gunmen attacked his vehicle and dragged him to the bush.
The victim was the Chairman, Senate Committee on Privatization between 2007 and 2011 on the platform of the PDP but later decamped to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) due to some alleged differences with Governor Ayodele Fayose prior to 2015 general elections.
According to a source who pleaded anonymity, “They have contacted us and demanded a sum of N80m ransom. We are worried because we don’t know his situation.
He said, “Efforts are being made to secure his release, we have contacted all the relevant agencies including the police to rescue the senator”.