Kidnapped workers released after ransom payment

The five construction workers who were kidnapped by gunmen in Nigeria’s Bayelsa state on Friday have been released by their abductors.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) learnt in Yenagoa on Tuesday that they were released in the creeks of Nembe, Nembe Local Government Area.

The five indigenous workers in a dredging firm were abducted on August 23 by gunmen in the creeks of Opuama in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.

The kidnappers had demanded N30 million ransom before their captives, identified as Inoku Godwin, Sam Ede, Jackson Ibani and two others, would be released.

A source close to the company where the victims work, said the abducted workers were released on Monday after “negotiations and payment of ransom.

“The five workers were released on Monday and have since returned to Port Harcourt after negotiation and payment of ransom,’’ said the source, which chose to be anonymous.

According to the source, the company had contacted some top ex-militant leaders in the area, who claimed that the kidnappers were youths from the neigbouring Lobia and Azuzuama communities.

The spokesman for the Police in Bayelsa, Mr Alex Akhigbe, confirmed the release of the workers.

“Yes, the five workers were released at about 7p.m. on Monday and dropped at Nembe community. No ransom was paid for their freedom,’’ Akhigbe said.