Gunmen have reportedly held hostage two indigenes of the Abavo community, Ika South Local Government Area, Delta State, insisting on full payment of a N7 million ransom fee earlier demanded for the release of a kidnapped victim.

Mrs. Anthonia Jegbefume was kidnapped a week ago at her Okpe-Abavo residence by the gunmen who also shot dead her 55-year-old husband, Mr. Friday Jegbefume.

The kidnappers, it was learnt, released the woman at the weekend and abducted the two persons who had brought the sum of N1.7 million, which the family was only able to raise, for failing to bring the full amount they demanded.

Sources said one of the persons currently being held hostage is a relative of the woman and the other is a member of the deceased husband’s family.

Speaking on the development, a notable leader of the Abavo Clan Union, who did not want his name mentioned, said the kidnappers are asking for the balance of N5.3 million.

He said, “The kidnappers released the woman and took the people that went to pay the ransom fee.

“They had asked for N7 million and the family was able to raise N1.7 million. When they gave the N1.7 million to them, they held those that brought the money and asked for the remaining N5.3 million.”

When contacted, Police Public Relations Officer of the State Command, SP Bright Edafe, could not speak on the development at the time of filing this report. (The PUNCH)