The woman kidnapped alongside her two-year-old son in Igbope, a community near Igboho, the town of popular Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho in Oke-Ogun, Oyo State, has regained freedom after days in captivity but not without the efforts of operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force.
It was learnt that the victims, Alhaja Kuburat Hamzat and her two-year-old son, were released safely following efforts by security operatives and other stakeholders.
Their release was announced in a statement issued on behalf of the family of late Alhaji Jimoh Olode by Comrade Nurudeen, who confirmed that the victims had regained their freedom and were in stable condition.
Nurudeen described the development as a moment of immense gratitude and relief for the family, adding that the victims were currently receiving care, rest and emotional support to recover from the traumatic experience.
“The family is overwhelmed with gratitude to Almighty God for preserving the lives of our loved ones and bringing them back safely.
We deeply appreciate the unwavering support, prayers, and solidarity shown by relatives, friends, community leaders, religious bodies, and well-wishers throughout this challenging period,” the statement read.
The family also appreciated security agencies and all individuals who contributed in one way or another to securing the victims’ release, describing their efforts and dedication as commendable.
DSS, Police Involved In Rescue Efforts
According to a family source, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force were involved in the rescue operation.
It was further gathered that the victims’ family had earlier paid an initial ransom of ₦30 million before the latest development.
Recall that suspected kidnappers seized the victims during a late-night invasion of their residence in Igbope.
The abductors had initially demanded ₦300 million before reportedly reducing the ransom to ₦150 million. However, ₦30 million was eventually paid before the rescue operation.
It is worth noting that Igbope is the neighbouring community to Igboho, the hometown of popular Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.
Engineer Still Missing
However, the engineer that was reportedly abducted alongside the woman, and her child is yet to regain freedom, as his whereabouts could not be confirmed at the time of filing this report.
Recounting her ordeal after her release, the woman said she and her child were separated from the third victim on the day of the abduction.
According to her, she had no information about where the engineer was taken or his current condition, explaining that she did not see him again throughout her days in captivity.
Family Seeks Privacy, Improved Security
While celebrating the safe return of the victims, the family appealed for understanding and privacy to allow them sufficient time to recover emotionally and physically from the ordeal.
The family also urged relevant authorities to intensify efforts in tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes, stressing the need for improved security measures to protect lives and property across communities.
The statement concluded with prayers for lasting peace, security and divine protection for the community, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.
SOURCE: Intel Region
