A mother and her three sons have regained their freedom in Enugu State, Nigeria, following their abduction while harvesting cassava on their family farmland. The victims, Mrs. Bridget Okey and her sons Chukwubuike, Chukwuemeka, and Chijioke, were reportedly seized on November 5 at Nwiyi Ivuruge, a location along the route to Umualogo Village in the neighboring Nkpologu community within the Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area.
According to a source close to the family, the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N40 million for the release of the four hostages. However, the source stated that following intense media attention and pressure from security agencies, the perpetrators allegedly reduced their demand. The family reportedly paid N4 million to secure their release, with funds raised through donations from relatives, in-laws, villagers, and friends.
The release of the family has brought significant relief to their relatives and residents of Ugbene Ajima. Despite the family's account of a ransom payment, local government officials have offered a different narrative regarding the circumstances of the victims' return.
Barrister Chijioke Ezugwu, the Chairman of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, denied that any ransom was paid. He insisted that the release was achieved solely through the efforts of security agencies. Ezugwu commended these agencies for their commitment, professionalism, and coordinated operations, which he said were instrumental in the successful rescue of the kidnapped family.
Security agencies were intensifying efforts to ensure that criminal elements had no room to operate within the local government area.
In a statement addressing the incident, Chairman Ezugwu reassured residents of Ugbene Ajima and other communities across the local government area that his administration would continue to collaborate closely with security forces. He emphasized a commitment to strengthening surveillance, improving intelligence gathering, and preventing the recurrence of such criminal incidents.
The local government chairman also urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security personnel by providing timely and useful information. He reiterated his administration's dedication to protecting lives and property, maintaining peace, and ensuring that communities across Uzo-Uwani remain safe for residents, businesses, and visitors.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
