15th January, 2014
The octogenarian mother of Mr. Benson Akindeju, the Chief Executive Officer of Big Soul Hotel, Igbotako, Ondo State, who was kidnapped on Jan. 8, has been released.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 83-year-old woman, Theresa, was released at about 9.00 p.m. on Tuesday on the Irele-Okitpupa road in Okitipupa Local Goverrnement Area of the state.
The victim told NAN on Wednesday at her Igbotako home that the kidnappers took good care of her for the seven days she was in their custody.
She said that it was God that rescued her, adding that she kept praying that the kidnappers should release her alive to see her children again.
“I was afraid when they kidnapped me but I was fervent in prayers until they released me yesterday night on the Irele road. I thank God they did not hurt me,’’ she said.
Her son, Mr Akindeju said the kidnappers abducted her mother because they thought he was wealthy.
Akindeju, a former Marketing Manager of Wale Adenuga Production, the production firm of the popular comedy series, “Papa Ajasco and Company, ’’ said the kidnappers released his mother without any ransom.
“The kidnappers came for my mother due to wrong information that I am a politician who embezzled money.
” I have never worked for government, I have been doing private business for over 30 years now.
“When the incident happened, I just kept praying, Although, the incident destabilised me and my business but I thank God that they released my mother safe and sound without any ransom.
“I appeal to the government to provide jobs for the youths because this is why many of them venture into such businesses as they revealed to my mother when she was preaching to them,’’ Akindeju said.
Well-wishers have been trooping to the Akindeju Quarters in Igbotako to rejoice with the family over the release of the victim, according to NAN.