A kidnapped cleric at Afiesere community, in the Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Rev Murphy Akpovi, has regained freedom from his abductors after spending one week in captivity.
PUNCH Metro gathered that Akpovi was kidnapped a few metres away from his residence at Afiesere community while returning from an evening church service.
Sources said on the day the cleric was kidnapped, two other unidentified women were also abducted at different locations in Iwhrekpokpor community.
It was gathered that Akpovi’s kidnappers later contacted the cleric’s family and demanded N30m ransom to secure his release.
“The kidnappers made contact, demanded N30m and made it clear that they will not accept N10m. That same day, two women were kidnapped at Iwhrekpokpor community,” a source said.
Our correspondent, however, gathered that the cleric was released by his abductors to join his family members and congregants after spending five days in captivity.
It could not be confirmed if ransom was paid to secure Akpovi’s release.
Contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe, could neither confirm nor deny the incident.
He said, “A lady that was kidnapped has been released. Not aware of the other incident.”
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