Anambra: Man denies kidnappers N40m ransom, escape from captivity

By Obinna Unaeze

A South-Africa based Nigeria who was abducted from his home town in Anambra state by kidnappers who placed N40 million ransom on his head has escaped and reunited with his family.

The South-Africa based Nigeria escaped from the kidnappers’ den in Orumba South Local Government Area (LGA) of the State, Anambra Police Command spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday in Awka.

According to the statement, the victim, an indigene of Obinagu–Isikweachi, Oji River LGA of Enugu, who was kidnapped on Jan.1 in his home town, is currently based in South Africa.

He claimed the victims was rescued by police-led joint security operatives attached to the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Aguata, in the early hours of Jan. 15, while on routine visibility patrol around the Isulo axis of Orumba South LGA of the state.

According to Ikenga, the victim told the police that he was abducted from his hometown on Jan. 1 in the evening hours, by a gang of six armed and masked men.

He added that the victim further revealed that the kidnappers had demanded a ransom of ₦40 million from his wife and relatives.

The police spokesman said that the victim however managed to escape from the kidnappers’ den, leading to his eventual rescue by the joint security operatives.

“Following his rescue, the victim was properly debriefed and has since been reunited with his family,” he said.

The PPRO said that the operatives are working with information provided by the victim to identify and dislodge the criminal hideout within the area and arrest those responsible.

The Anambra Police Command also reiterated its commitment to sustaining proactive policing, to ensure safety in the state.

(NAN)