BY SEGUN ADEBAYO – After spending more than 48 hours in captivity, three lawyers with the Warri branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and a driver, have regained their freedom from the kidnappers’ den.
A statement by the Chairman of the NBA Warri, Chief Emmanuel Uti said the victims, abducted on Wednesday, February 2, 2022, along the Auchi – Benin road, were released in the early hours of Saturday.
The statement, which said the freed abductees have already reunited with their families, was however silent on whether any ransom was negotiated and paid to the kidnappers before the release took place.
“We are pleased to announce the release of three of our colleagues and their driver, who were kidnapped along Benin-Auchi Road, on February 2nd, 2022. They were released today February 5th, 2022, at about 1.05 am and have been reunited with their families”, the statement said.
However, Chief Uti challenged the Edo state government and security agencies on steps to improve security on the Benin-Auchi road, saying; “This kidnap incident has brought to fore, the need for the Edo State Government to take steps to clear the forest from the Ogbemudia Farms axis along the Benin-Auchi Road up to Ekpoma and the need for every Police Area Commands in Edo and Delta State to be equipped with Phone Tracking devices to help in curbing this security menace that the Nation is grappling with.”
The NBA chairman appreciated the Edo State branch of the NBA and other stakeholders for their positive roles and encouragement while the trauma lasted.
