A mother and her three sons have been released after being kidnapped in Enugu State, Nigeria. The victims, identified as Bridget Okey and her sons, Chukwubuike, Chukwuemeka, and Chijioke, were abducted while harvesting cassava on their farmland in Ugbene Ajima, located in the Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area.
The kidnapping occurred recently along a route leading to Umualogo Village, as reported by local sources. It was disclosed that the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N40 million but eventually accepted N4 million for the release of the family.
Support from relatives, friends, and the local community enabled the family to gather the ransom money. However, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area Chairman, Chijioke Ezugwu, contested claims of a ransom payment, asserting that the victims’ release was facilitated by the efforts of security agencies. He commended the professionalism and coordinated operations of these agencies.
Chairman Ezugwu reassured community members of his administration’s commitment to enhancing security measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. He urged residents to remain vigilant and collaborate with security personnel by sharing pertinent information that could aid in crime prevention.
The Uzo-Uwani region has faced a series of violent attacks and kidnappings in recent years, often attributed to the activities of suspected herders. Last year, a notable incident resulted in several kidnappings and a fatal shooting.
