Kidnappers Release Anambra Businessman and Reverend Sister After Days in Captivity

A businessman and Chairman of Jezco Group, Chief Joseph Ezeokafor, and a reverend sister who were abducted by unidentified gunmen in Ifite-Awka, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, have regained their freedom.

The victims were reportedly released in the early hours of Saturday after spending several days in captivity.

They have since returned safely, according to the Anambra State Police Command.

The police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed their release and said the command had begun efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding their abduction and eventual freedom.

Ikenga said the police were also gathering information that could assist the ongoing investigation and help identify those responsible for the kidnapping.

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, commended the safe return of the victims and directed security agencies to intensify intelligence-led operations and efforts to apprehend the perpetrators.

The police said the operation involves collaboration with other relevant security agencies and urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist investigators.

The police did not confirm whether a ransom was paid for the victims’ release.

However, a source close to the family claimed that the kidnappers contacted Ezeokafor’s relatives two days after the abduction and began negotiations.

According to the source, the kidnappers initially demanded ₦700 million but later increased their demand to ₦1.5 billion.

The source alleged that the family eventually paid the reported ₦1.5 billion before the victims were released.

The family source also claimed that Ezeokafor and the reverend sister were picked up by a relative in the Ebenebe area, close to the Anambra-Enugu border, which has reportedly been linked to several kidnapping incidents in the area.

The reported ransom demand and the circumstances surrounding the abduction have raised concerns among the businessman’s family, associates and members of the local community.

Police authorities have continued their investigation and are working to determine the identities of the kidnappers and bring those responsible for the abduction to justice.

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