Father laments hostage of daughters 12 years after abduction in Rivers

A retired Rivers State civil servant, Mr Rowland Monokpo, has expressed dismay over the disappearance of his two daughters, who were abducted 12 years ago.

It was gathered that his daughters, identified as Scholastica and Maryann, were abducted on farmland in the Deeyor community in the Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The aggrieved father, who spoke during a radio programme on Rhythm 93.7FM, Port Harcourt, on Monday, noted that he believed they would return home someday.

Monokpo said his daughters were preparing to start university education when they were kidnapped in 2009.

He noted that the abductors had demanded the sum of one million naira to secure the release of his daughters.

However, the retiree said the abductors refused to release his daughters even after he paid part of the ransom.

“I went to Akwa Ibom State to buy palm oil. So, when I returned, I didn’t see them at home. Suddenly, I received a phone call that my two daughters were carried away on the farm.

“I reported the matter to the police when they (his girls) spoke to me that their condition was critical and they (kidnappers) were threatening to kill them if I did not bring N1million.

“I was able to raise N200,000, which I dropped at Kpopie Junction, and they picked it.

“Since that time, I have not seen my two daughters till today. But I am still hoping in God that one day I may see my two daughters,” he said.

He urged the police to reopen investigations into the case and unravel the mystery behind the disappearance of his children.

He also called on the Rivers State Government, civil society organisations and the international community to join him in searching for the girls.

“I have been battling health challenges as a result of the incident; my daughters would have graduated from the university and done other things if they were not abducted,” he stated.

Meanwhile, River State Police Public Relations Officer, Nnamdi Omoni, asked the retiree to lodge a formal complaint to his office, noting that he would look into the matter.