The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Ward 9, Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State, Mr Godwin Aigbogun, has escaped from the den of his kidnappers.
The hoodlums, suspected to be herdsmen, were said to have demanded N5m ransom after Aigbogun was abducted on his way back to his village from his farm in Ologbo-Nugu on Monday.
The state APC Publicity Secretary, Peter Uwadiae, confirmed the escape to PUNCH Metro on Wednesday, adding that he had since rejoined his family.
He said, “I can confirm to you that he escaped from the kidnappers’ den. I don’t know how he did it, but I must commend him for his bravery.”
However, the state police command in a statement by the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Jennifer Iwegbu, attributed the escape to the pressure mounted by the police on the kidnappers.
In a related development, one of the female leaders of the First Baptist Church, Wetheral Road, Owerri, Imo State, Mrs Elizabeth Abioye, who was abducted during a church service, has been released.
The church, in a message of appreciation on Tuesday, confirmed her release.
The statement read, “People of God, let us make a joyful noise unto the Lord. Our sister, Mrs Abioye, has been released by her abductors.
“We give thanks to the Lord, our God, for the marvellous way He heard and answered our prayers over her release.
“She was released today, July 19, 2022, from her kidnappers and she is back home, safe and in sound mind.”
The victim, who is the wife of the General Manager of the Imo Zoological Garden at Nekede, was kidnapped on July 10 at her church.
Our correspondent could not ascertain if any ransom was paid.