By Austin Ogwuda
ASABA — 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.