Kidnappers release Edo APC State Assembly candidate after 37 days

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Candidate for Owan West Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, Mr. Ohio Ezomo has regained his freedom by his kidnappers.
He was in captivity for 37 days.
The victim was let go of, unhurt by his kidnappers near Afuze, the headquarters of neighbouring Owan East Local Government Area at the Weekend.
Ezomo who is running for the March 9, 2019 election, was whisked away last January 24, 2019 at his home town of Eme- Ora, Owan West Local Government Area of the State by the gunmen.
The hoodlums had shot his police orderly dead during the operation.
The Edo State Police Spokesman, Mr. Chidi Nwanbuzor, confirmed news of the release yesterday in the State Capital of Benin.
He said in a telephone interview that he didn’t know if a ransom was paid by Ezomo’s family to secure the release of the politician.
But, he clarified that the kidnappers may have let go of their quarry as a result of pressure from the police who were hot on their tails.
The kidnappers had reportedly demanded a princely sum of N100 million from the family to effect the freedom of abductee, which police denied.
According to him, “Ohio Ezomo who was taken away by unknown gunmen on January 24 has regain freedom.
“He was abandoned around Afuze. I don’t know if a ransom was paid. The police have been hot on the tail”, he said.