The family of Julius Idirio Ibharokhonre, a 59-year-old farmer and photographer known fondly as “Action B,” is currently engulfed in grief following his tragic passing. In a heartbreaking turn of events shared with Reports, the father of five died shortly after being released by his abductors. His death was the result of severe machete wounds inflicted on him during his three-day ordeal in the kidnappers’ den.
His cousin, Omofoman Philip, recounted the harrowing experience during a conversation with Reports on Tuesday. He explained that the kidnapping took place on February 11 in Uromi while Julius was returning from his farm. While the family was desperately negotiating with the captors, they were unaware that the victim had been injured so severely that he was already on the brink of death.
The family eventually scrambled to raise the N7 million ransom demanded by the kidnappers. Tragically, by the time they secured his release, Julius was barely hanging onto life. He passed away inside the vehicle before he could even reach the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital for emergency treatment. It was a double tragedy for the family, who lost both their life savings and their breadwinner in one fell swoop.
Julius wasn’t alone when he was taken; he was abducted alongside a woman who had visited his farm to purchase cassava. His 23-year-old son, Ose, who is currently seeking admission into a higher institution, spoke of the psychological torture the family endured during the negotiations. He told Reports that the kidnappers constantly beat his father while they were on the phone, using his cries to pressure the family into moving faster to get the money.
Beyond the cash, the demands were bizarre and taxing. Ose revealed that they were forced to purchase various items including malt and several types of illicit drugs like Tramadol and “Ice.” The family had to search high and low to meet these specific demands, all while fearing for the life of their father.
As it stands, the family is left with nothing but memories and a deep sense of injustice. They had reported the matter to the police immediately after the abduction, but the swiftness of the kidnappers and the severity of the violence used left them helpless. Now, they are calling on the authorities to ensure that those responsible for this senseless killing are brought to book.
