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From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Abductors of the Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, set him free in the early hours of yesterday, after spending 11 days in their captivity.
Aziegbemi was said to have arrived at his residence at about 3am.
The news of his release was broken by Senator Odion Ugbesia, at about 6.17am, yesterday.
Dr. Aziegbemi was abducted by gunmen, on Friday, March 16, at about 11pm, close to his Government Reservation Area (GRA) residence in Benin City, while returning from a meeting he attended in the Government House.
His abductors were said to have later contacted his family and demanded N500 million ransom to set him free. It could not, however, be ascertained, yesterday, whether ransom was paid before he regained his freedom.
Speaking shortly after his release, yesterday morning, Dr. Aziegbemi said he was happy to be back home and reunited with his family. He explained that “this kidnap comes with the terrain” and that he was not maltreated by his abductors.
“I am happy to be back home. I thank you for calling and the concern. I am happy to reunite with my family. It comes with terrain. I wasn’t maltreated by my kidnappers, but, again, I am happy to be back home”, he said.
