The abducted traditional ruler of the Bukpe community in Kwali Area Council of Abuja, Hassan Shamidozhi, has regained freedom after weeks in the kidnappers’ den.
Mr Shamidozhi was whisked away from his palace amidst sporadic gunshots on March 30 and resurfaced on Saturday night after payment of ransom to his abductors.
As reported by Daily Trust, the traditional ruler was released alongside Ahmad Joel and his daughter, Precious Joel, both residents of the community, after paying N2.5 million.
Unlike the duo, the kidnapper who had demanded N20 million as a ransom for the monarch later collected N4 million before letting him off on Saturday evening.
As reported, the newly released abductees were released in a forest near Zokutu village, from where they trekked to Abaji-Toto road before getting a vehicle home.
In his interaction with sympathizers at his palace on Sunday, Mr Shamidozhi said he did not believe he could make it back home back alive.
Recounting his experience at the camp of his abductors, the monarch described his bitter experience as one he would not wish for his enemies.
He pegged the number of the kidnappers at over 200 with sophisticated weapons and different camps.
“I don’t pray for my enemy to be a victim, because with what I saw with my eyes, I couldn’t believe I will return home alive. These bandits were over 200 with sophisticated weapons and different camps,” he reportedly said.
ALSO READ: Police not aware of ransom payments to kidnappers – Official
Mr Shamidozhi and the two freed residents were among the growing list of living casualties of insecurity in Nigeria.
The FCT, like its neighbouring states, recently became a soft target for kidnappers as the number of victims in satellite towns continues to grow daily.
Communities in Abaji, Kuje, Bwari and Kwali have recently witnessed high cases of abductions with little or no resistance from the police or other security operatives within the areas.
A Chief Imam of Yangoji Central Mosque in Kwali Area, Abdullahi Gbedako, and his sons, Aliyu Abubakar and Ibrahim Abubakar, were also kidnapped from their home in late 2021.
Residents of the Kuje Area Council have also recorded a similar trend of abductions in recent years.
Support PREMIUM TIMES' journalism of integrity and credibility
Good journalism costs a lot of money. Yet only good journalism can ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government.
For continued free access to the best investigative journalism in the country we ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour.
By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you are helping to sustain a journalism of relevance and ensuring it remains free and available to all.
TEXT AD: Call Willie - +2348098788999
![Lekki seaport [Photo Credit: Lekki Port]](https://i1.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2022/01/Lekki-Port.jpg?resize=120%2C86&ssl=1)
![Chelsea FC [PHOTO CREDIT: @ChelseaFC]](https://i1.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2022/04/FQj-SPTWQAcxHkY-scaled.jpg?resize=75%2C75&ssl=1)
