Akwanga LG Chairman: Family, Police Contradict on Ransom Paid

The Chairman of Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Safiyanu Isa Andaha has been released after being kidnapped by abductors on New Year’s Day at Ningo village along Andaha – Akwanga Road.

This was made known by the Nasarawa State Command of the Nigeria Police Force who stated that Mr Andaha and one other were released through pressure from a law enforcement agency and not through ransom.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Ramhan Nansel, security personnel comprising the police and other agencies have swiftly begun the trail of the abductors to ensure the release of the victims.

It was learned that the Chairman regained his freedom on Tuesday night after family members paid a ransom of N10 million to his abductors.
He was released alongside a renowned businessman and friend, Alhaji Adamu Tanko.

“They were dropped around 9 pm behind Maigwona filling station at Bayan Dutse road on the outskirt of Andaha town, and the sum of 10 million naira was paid as ransom,” a source said.

But in contrast, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ramhan Nansel, in a statement on Wednesday said no ransom was paid to secure the release of Mr. Safiyanu.

DSP Nansel clarified that the kidnappers were compelled to release the victims due to continued and intensified pressure applied by security operatives, adding that the command’s anti-kidnapping unit and Akwanga Divisional Patrol team were dispatched to Andaha village to transport the kidnapped victims for medical examinations.

He said Isa-Andaha was released alongside three others, adding that they would be reunited with their families after they had undergone medical examination.

“No ransom was paid. The chairman and the person the abductors contacted confirmed to us that no dime was paid,” he said.

“They were released at about 8:40 pm due to sustained pressure mounted on them by our operatives deployed on their trail.”

Source: Sahara Reporters