Eight Scripture Union Officers Freed After 21 Days In Captivity

Eight national officers of Scripture Union abducted in Imo State have been released after 21 days in captivity.

The victims were kidnapped on June 14 along the Orlu-Mgbidi Road while travelling from Okigwe to Ibadan after a Scripture Union national conference at the Camp of Faith in Okigwe.

Premium Times reported that the group included three adult women and five men. The women were named as Oluwatomisin Abolarin, Ebenezer Ige and Ola Ige.

The five men were Ernest Onyenagbagha, Elijah Chukwudi, Cosmas Udoh, Olumide Ayemobola and Adekunle Jegede, who was the driver.

Scripture Union National Chairman Willy Onu announced their release in a statement on Tuesday. He said the victims were released on Sunday, July 5, and were safe and healthy.

Onu thanked members of the organisation for their prayers, support and financial contributions during the period the victims were held.

Premium Times reported that it was not clear whether ransom was paid. Onu’s statement did not address that question.

The release ends a three-week ordeal for the interdenominational Christian movement, but the incident adds to continuing concerns over abductions on South-East roads and the safety of travellers returning from religious and community events.

Source: Premium Times