Three
persons who were abducted from the University of Calabar staff quarters, in
Calabar, Cross River State, on May 2 by gunmen have regained their freedom.
It was learnt on Wednesday
that Mrs. Nancy Ndifon and her daughter, Oyeboh, as well as Dr. David Iniama
regained their freedom at about 10pm on Tuesday after being held hostage for
nine days.
The
armed kidnappers had stormed the UNICAL staff quarters and abducted Mrs. Ndifon
and her daughter after breaking into their residence at about 9pm, and also
kidnapped the third victim, Iniama, who was driving into his nearby residence.
While
Mrs. Ndifon and Dr. Iniama are staff of the University of Calabar Teaching
Hospital, Oyebah is said to be a student of the University of Calabar.
The
kidnappers had two days after the abduction got in contact with the families of
the victims and demanded for N30m each (N60m from both families).
It
was learnt on Wednesday that an undisclosed amount of money was paid jointly by
both families to the kidnappers before the abductees were released.
A
close source to one of the families, who preferred not to be named, said the
victims regained their freedom at about 10pm on Tuesday.
“They
came back home at about 10pm on Tuesday looking worn out. They will undergo
proper medical checks to ascertain their wellbeing but we thank God they came
back safely.
“I
understand that they paid about N5m that was marked money to the kidnappers but
no one has said how much exactly was paid. I gathered that the kidnappers warned
them not to disclose the amount they paid as ransom.
“But
from what we were told, it was a joint negotiation between both families that
led to their release late last night
“Details
are not very clear at the moment on where they were taken to and held hostage
in the past nine days. We also do not know if any arrest has been made,” she
said.
However,
the Police Public Relations Officer in charge of the Cross River State Police
Command, Mr. John Eluu, who confirmed the development, said two suspects had
been arrested in connection with the kidnap.
He
said the victims regained their freedom following the intense pressure by the
police team.
“They
were released on Tuesday night. It was as a result of the pressure from the
police. The police crack team sent by the Inspector General of Police, Mr.
Solomon Arase, assisted the state command to secure their release.
“I
am not aware if any ransom was paid. All I know is that it was as a result of
pressure from the police that led to their release. Two suspects have been
arrested in connection with the kidnap and interrogations are ongoing.”
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Society