Kidnapped Benue PDP Assembly candidate regains freedom after payment of N3m ransom

The kidnapped State Assembly candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State, Moses Egbodo, has regained freedom after spending six days in captivity.

Egbodo is the candidate to represent the Obi State constituency in the forthcoming general elections.

The politician and three others in a commercial vehicle were kidnapped around 5pm on Monday, 23 October, 2022, between Aliade and Otukpo, while returning from Makurdi to Otukpo where he lives.

Egbodo was released on Saturday night, October 29, after payment of N3 million ransom to the kidnappers.

The chairman of Obi Local Government Area, Mr Tony Akpa, confirmed the release of the victim on Sunday.

"Yes, the man was released yesterday (Saturday) at about 7:30 pm after spending six days in the kidnappers’ den," he said.

“He was kidnapped last Monday alongside three others while coming from Makurdi to Otukpo. He entered a commercial vehicle at the park and in between Taraku and burnt bricks before Otukpo, the kidnappers picked them up. They initially demanded N4 million as ransom but they ended up collecting N3 million."

Akpa expressed happiness that Mr. Egbodo was released unhurt and appealed to the security agencies to beef security along the highways to ensure safety of motorists and passengers.