Abducted wife of Nigeria environmentalist regains freedom

Justina Ojo, the wife of the Executive Director of the Environmental Rights Action, Godwin Ojo, who was kidnapped on February 22, has regained freedom.

Mrs. Ojo was abducted last Monday by unknown gunmen in front of her Benin City residence at about 8 p.m.

A statement issued by ERA/FoEN Saturday said Mrs. Ojo was released to her family on Friday night.

The statement thanked Nigerians, religious organisations, local and international groups for their solidarity, prayers, encouraging words and actions throughout the period of Mrs. Ojo’s abduction.

“Words cannot express our joy at the reuniting of Justina Ojo and her family. We are happy she was returned unhurt and in good condition to her family,” said Akinbode Oluwafemi, ERA/FoEN Deputy Director.

“We particularly want to thank our allies both local and international for their show of solidarity, unity and encouragement all through the period of trauma for the Ojo’s and the entire ERA/FoEN family.

“Justina has been re-united with her immediate family and they prefer to spend coming days for quiet reflections on the events of this traumatic week.”

Mr. Oluwafemi said with the release of Mrs. Ojo, the Nigerian Police is expected to carry out its statutory responsibility of identifying those responsible for the act and bringing them to book.

“It is a primary responsibility of government is to guarantee the safety and security of all citizens,” he said.

“At times like this, people in power should work towards security for all and not security for a few and the affluent. The present government must do all that is needful to keep this country safe for all.”