A civil engineer and building contractor, Mr. Lucky Ugbo, has been kidnapped by unknown gunmen in Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State.

The incident, which occurred on Friday, has thrown the local community into fear and anxiety.

According to eyewitnesses, the armed men stormed Ugbo’s residence, shot indiscriminately to scare away residents, and whisked him away to an unknown destination.

Sources within the community revealed to The Guardian that the kidnappers initially made contact with the family on Sunday, demanding a ransom of ₦200 million.

However, a fresh call from the abductors on Monday morning saw them reduce the demand to ₦100 million.

A family member who spoke under anonymity said, “Gunmen kidnapped Engr. Lucky Ugbo four days ago at his site. On Sunday, they contacted the family and demanded ₦200 million. Today, being Monday, they reduced it to ₦100 million.”

The source added that prior to this incident, another kidnapping was reported in the same area last Tuesday, suggesting a growing trend of insecurity in the locality.

As of Sunday, the abductors reportedly contacted Mr. Ugbo’s wife again, this time demanding ₦20 million, although it remains unclear if this is a separate negotiation or a further reduction in the ransom.

The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the abduction.

Command spokesperson, DSP Bright Edafe, while responding to inquiries, stated that the incident had been reported and investigations were ongoing to secure the victim’s release and apprehend the culprits.