3 Abducted Benue State University Graduates, 4 Others Regain Freedom
It was unclear if ransom was paid or how much ransom was paid but the Benue state Gov’t was involved in the release of the students.
The three graduates of the Benue State University, Makurdi in North-central Nigeria who were abducted in Tsafe Local government area of Zamfara State Northwest Nigeria while on their way to National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp have regained freedom.
Jennifer Awashima Iorliam, Yiye Tarlumun, and Joseph Zakaa, were released around 6 p.m. WAT on Tuesday, Oct. 26, eight days after they were abducted by suspected terrorists.
Others who also regained freedom were Sedoo Kondo, an undergraduate of Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, who was taken while returning to school, Ruth Sesuur Tsokar, who was visiting a relative in Kebbi, Muhammadu Saminu, and Safiam Muhammadu.
HumAngle learnt that the families were not aware if the ransom demanded by the terrorists was paid before the victims were released. However, they acknowledged the efforts made by Samuel Ortom, the Governor of Benue State and the Benne Links Transportation Company.
“All I did was to pray to God. I asked God not to allow them to be killed, I was worried though calling everyone I knew to call,” Mrs Tarlulmun, a mother of one of the abducted victims told HumAngle.
“I heard the Governor and the Benue Links Company were among those who made efforts. I thank God that they have now been released.” Tahav Agerzua, a close relative of Kondo, confirmed that his friend regained freedom and that he had seen him.
“He is fine, the only thing is that he was emaciated and he was tired. He was frightened. The trauma is still with him. He did not sustain any physical injury.”
The families and relatives of the other victims who regained freedom could not be immediately reached as of the time of this report.
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