Chief Joseph Ezeokafor, Chairman of Jezco Group, and a reverend sister who were kidnapped by unidentified gunmen at Ifite-Awka, Awka South LGA of Anambra State, have been released and safely returned.
The victims were freed in the early hours of Saturday after spending several days in captivity under unclear circumstances.
Anambra State Police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the release, saying the command is taking steps to establish what led to their abduction and release and gather information to aid the investigation and identify the kidnappers.
He said, “The Anambra State Police Command confirms that Chief J.J. Ezeokafor and a Rev. Sister, who armed criminals earlier abducted at Ifite-Awka, have been released and have safely returned.
“The Command is currently taking necessary steps to establish the circumstances surrounding their release and obtain relevant information that will assist ongoing investigations and identification of the perpetrators.
“The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, while commending the safe return of the victims, further directs intensified intelligence-led operations and manhunt for those responsible for the abduction.”
Ikenga said the operation involves the police and other relevant security agencies.
“The Command appreciates members of the public for their support and cooperation and urges them to remain vigilant and provide credible and timely information that could assist security agencies in apprehending the perpetrators,” he added.
According to Punch, police did not say whether ransom was paid, a family source said the victims were picked up by a relative in Ebenebe, near the Anambra-Enugu border, believed to be a new kidnapping camp in the area.
The source said the kidnappers contacted the family two days after the abduction and began ransom talks.
According to the source, “The family paid ₦1.5 billion for his release. The kidnappers initially demanded N700 million, a figure which the victim’s family had accepted as part of efforts to secure their father’s release.
“However, sensing some feelings that there may be more money, the kidnappers subsequently raised their demand to N1.5 billion, after which they stopped further engagement with the family until their release on Saturday.”
The development reportedly caused strain within the family, with some siblings blaming one another over their father’s abduction. It has also raised concern among Ezeokafor’s associates and community members.
