Former Nasarawa State Deputy Governor, Professor Onje Gye-Wado, has been released days after his abduction in Rinza village, Wamba Local Government Area. The kidnappers initially demanded a N70 million ransom for his release.
DSP Ramham Nansel, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, confirmed Gye-Wado’s release on Monday morning. “He was released around 9 pm yesterday (Sunday), due to sustained pressure from the search and rescue team. No ransom was paid,” he stated.
However, it has been reported that his family members paid a ransom of approximately N4 million to secure his release. The kidnappers, who had originally demanded a N70 million ransom, eventually settled for a lesser amount following negotiations.
A family source revealed that the ransom was collected near Mada Hills Secondary School in Akwanga LGA, along with a N200 recharge card. After his release, Gye-Wado was taken to the palace of the paramount ruler of Wamba, Oriye Rindre Justice Lawal Musa Nagogo, where he reunited with his community members.
The police, however, denied knowledge of any ransom payment. DSP Ramham Nansel urged residents to continue their lawful activities without fear, reassuring them of the police’s commitment to eradicating criminal elements from Nasarawa State.
