Abducted Toddler, Catholic Priest, Others Regain Freedom

A KIDNAPPED toddler, who was abducted, six days ago, in Port Harcourt, alongside three others, including his mother, has regained freedom. The other three abductees have also been released.This comes as about 320 suspected kidnappers, who are already in detention await prosecution in Edo State.The victims were rescued by men of the SpecialAnti Robbery Squad (SARS) at Ubima Egbede in Emoha Local Council of the state.The team raided the hideout of the kidnappersin a bush at the local government area, forcingthem to abandon their victims and take to their heels.The Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, Mr. Ben Ugwulegbulam, confirmed the release in a statement issued in Port Harcourt and made available to The Guardian.In another incident, a kidnapped victim, Mr. Eze Ugwu, was discovered by police during a stop-and-search operation, as his abductors, upon sighting men of the force, abandoned him in a car and fled.The victim said he was kidnapped at Obiri Ikwere Bridge in Obio/Akpor Local Council of the state. He claimed to be the owner of the Mazda car in which he was found.The Police say efforts have been intensified towards tracking down the kidnappers.Meanwhile, over 320 suspected kidnappers are currently in detention in Edo State, awaiting prosecution.The staggering number is due to a resolution of the Benin Chapter of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) restraining its members from rendering legal services to any suspected kidnapper.The state governor, Adams Oshiomhole, stated this at the weekend, at the office of the State Security Service (SSS) when the outfit paraded suspected kidnappers, among whom were those, who, two weeks ago, kidnapped a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Sylvester Chukwura, the Parish Priest of St Bernard's Catholic Church Eguaholo, Orhionmwon Local Government Council. They had demanded a ransom of N12 million.
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