Gunmen Free Kidnapped Journalist, 12 Wedding Guests In Abia

Chuks Onuoha, a journalist who was abducted last Tuesday by unknown gunmen in Umuahia has regained freedom.

Also, 12 persons who were kidnapped while on their way to a traditional marriage ceremony along the Umuahia – Okigwe federal highway, have been freed.

Onuoha, who previously worked with Sun newspaper was held by the kidnappers who demanded a N10 million ransom.

Onuoha, who now works with an Umuahia-based newspaper, All Facts newspaper, was released on Saturday after four days in the Kidnappers’ den.

As at the time of filing this report, it could not be ascertained if the N10 million was paid.

It was learned that the kidnappers of the 12 wedding guests had demanded N100 million but later reduced it to N19 million.

The victims sold some of their properties and raised an undisclosed amount for the kidnappers.

“When we were kidnapped, the kidnappers demanded N100 million and later reduced it to N10 million.

"Our people approached the state government, and eminent personalities in our area, but nobody came to our aid.

"We sold some of our properties to raise money to settle the kidnappers,” one of the victims said.