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A woman and her three sons abducted by bandits at their farmland in Ugbene Ajima, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State, have regained their freedom after an alleged payment of N4 million ransom.
The victims, Mrs Bridget Okey and her sons, Chukwubuike, Chukwuemeka and Chijioke, were reportedly seized on November 5, at Nwiyi Ivuruge, along the road leading to the Umualogo Village in neighbouring Nkpologu community.
A source close to the family disclosed that the kidnappers had initially asked for N40 million ransom for the release of the four victims. However, due to alleged pressure from the media and security agencies, the kidnappers were said to have reduced their demand and eventually collected N4 million before releasing the victims. The source further disclosed that the N4 million ransom was raised through donations from relatives, in-laws, villagers, and friends of the family.
The Chairman of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, Chijioke Ezugwu, however, denied that any ransom was paid, insisting that the victims’ release was achieved through the efforts of security agencies. He commended the security agencies for their commitment, professionalism, and coordinated efforts, which he said contributed to the successful release of the kidnapped family.
The chairman reassured residents of Ugbene Ajima and other communities across the local government area that his administration will continue to work closely with security agencies to strengthen surveillance, improve intelligence gathering, and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
Ezugwu called on the residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security personnel by providing timely and useful information that could help prevent criminal activities and protect their communities.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting life and property, maintaining peace, and ensuring that communities across Uzo-Uwani remained safe for residents, businesses, and visitors.
