A 96-year-old mother of a King-elect of Umukwata kingdom in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State has been kidnapped. Identified as Madam Celina Abaja, mother of Friday Abaja, King-elect of Umukwata Kingdom, was abducted at about 9pm on Monday night.

Reports from the area said the kidnappers have already established contact with the family and were demanding the sum of N20 million as ransom.
There had been growing tension in the area over the kingship tussle, which the son of the kidnapped woman, one Mr. Friday Abaja is laying claim to.
As a result of the bickering over the stool, the state government waded in. State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Charles Muka confirmed the story, saying “we are making frantic effort to see that the woman is released unhurt.”

Permanent Secretary in the Directorate of Chieftaincy Affairs, Deputy Governor’s office Asaba, Mrs. R. Sakpoba, had in a letter dated March 17, 2010, addressed to the Ukwuani council chairman, said “I wish to inform you that this office has been inundated with petitions on the above (Re: imposition of Eze in Umukwata clan) and that after due considerations the state government directed that the kingmakers of Umukwata kingdom and the traditional rulers and chiefs committee of Ukwuani council should set in motion machinery for the traditional installation and official recognition of a regent, who will act for a period of three years before the installation of a new Okpala_Uku.

Friday Abaja's largese and generousity to his community and humanity in general is unparallel,why would anybody think of kidnapping his aged mum?

Na wa o

Seems like kidnapping has spread to all of Igboland now. what a shame smh. They better hurry up and make Anioma state so that they can have an Igbo grovernor and do what their brothers from the other Igbo speaking states just agreed on doing. They made a real smart and good resolution

Is this the popular hotelier/business mogul in lagos or another friday abaja. Somebody should explain.

lumeneng22:
Is this the popular hotelier/business mogul in lagos or another friday abaja. Somebody should explain.

Yes he is the one.