- According to sources, the abductors seized all occupants from approximately six vehicles heading to Enugu from Abuja and other northern regions
The medical doctor and his son, previously abducted at Otukpa, Benue State along the Enugu-Makurdi Federal Road, have been freed following a ransom payment.
On Saturday WithinNigeria reported that a group of travelers, including a medical professional and his son, were reportedly abducted in Otukpa. Despite multiple military and police checkpoints in the area, the incident occurred on Thursday evening.
Otukpa serves as a border community connecting Benue State with Amalla Egazi in Enugu State, southeast Nigeria.
According to sources, the abductors seized all occupants from approximately six vehicles heading to Enugu from Abuja and other northern regions.
Among the unfortunate travelers taken into the bush on Thursday were Dr. Emma Okolo, a medical practitioner from Niger State General Hospital, his son, and Ego Okozo, a woman from Umanaa Ndiagu in Ezeagu local government area of Enugu.”
A family source, who confirmed their abduction to SaharaReporters, had said that they were on their way home for Christmas and New Year festivities.
“They are our members of the Ezeagu community here in Minna, Niger State and they were kidnapped between Otukpa and Amalla Egazi along Enugu-Makurdi Federal Road. They are from the Umanaa Ndiagu community,” the source said.
The family source, however, told Saharareporters on Monday that the doctor, his son, and the lady had been released.
Although he said that a ransom was paid to secure their release, he did not disclose the amount paid.
“We give God all the glory, the doctor, his son, and a lady travelling with him were all released on late Sunday evening after ransom was paid. Friends organised themselves, contributed money and helped the family out in the ransom payment,” he said.
A family source had disclosed that the gunmen had contacted the doctor’s wife to demand a ransom of N50 million.
However, it is not clear if the other travellers kidnapped on the same day have been released as well.
The Benue State Police Command spokesperson, SP Anene Sewuese Catherine, confirmed the abduction of the travellers but did not give details.
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