A mother and her three sons, who were abducted by suspected kidnappers while harvesting cassava on their farmland in Ugbene Ajima, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State, on November 5, have regained their freedom allegedly after ransom was paid.
The victims, identified as Mrs Bridget Okey and her sons, Chukwubuike, Chukwuemeka and Chijioke, were reportedly seized on November 5, at Nwiyi Ivuruge, along the route leading to Umualogo Village in neighbouring Nkpologu community.
Vanguard reports that the kidnappers initially demanded N40 million for the release of the four victims.
However, following what the source described as intense media attention and pressure from security agencies, the kidnappers allegedly reduced their demand and collected N4 million before releasing the victims.
The source said donations from relatives, in-laws, villagers and friends of the family helped raise the money used to secure their release.
However, the Chairman of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, Barrister Chijioke Ezugwu, denied that any ransom was paid, insisting that the victims’ release was achieved through the efforts of security agencies.
Reacting to the development, Ezugwu commended the security agencies for their commitment, professionalism and coordinated efforts, which he said contributed to the successful release of the kidnapped family.
The chairman reassured residents of Ugbene Ajima and other communities across the local government area that his administration would continue to work closely with security agencies to strengthen surveillance, improve intelligence gathering and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.