Kidnapped pastor, 5 others freed after N3m ransom

A pastor, David Ajibola, and five other people taken hostage last week in Tungan-Maje community in Gwagwalada area council of the FCT have been freed after a N3 million ransom was paid.

A relative of one of the kidnapped residents, who didn’t want to be named, confirmed the release of six people via a phone call to Daily Trust.

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The released residents include the pastor, Daniel Osas, Maryam Mukhtar, Onyinyechi Eze, Umar Faruk Salisu and Patience James.

Families of the abducted residents were compelled to raise N500,000 each to make up the ransom.

“In fact, my family was put in disarray as I had to dispose some of my properties to raise N500,000 before my son was released alongside other victims, which their family also did same too,” he said.

He appealed to the government to provide security in the area to tackle crime and other criminal activities which he said residents of the area are now living in fear.

The kidnappers had invaded homes in Anguwar Samu last Thursday and abducted 11 people, including the pastor and three children.

A pursuit by vigilantes and police Anti-Robbery Squad led to the rescue of five people following a gunfight.

Police is yet to comment on the development.