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A mother and her three sons who were abducted while harvesting cassava on their farmland in Ugbene Ajima, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State, have regained their freedom. However, conflicting accounts have emerged over whether a ransom was paid to secure their release.
The victims were identified as Mrs Bridget Okey and her sons, Chukwubuike, Chukwuemeka and Chijioke. They were reportedly kidnapped on November 5, 2026, at Nwiyi Ivuruge, along the route leading to Umualogo Village in neighbouring Nkpologu community.
A source close to the family said the kidnappers initially demanded N40 million for the release of the four victims. The demand was allegedly reduced after media attention and pressure from security agencies.
The source claimed that the abductors eventually collected N4 million before releasing the mother and her sons. Relatives, in-laws, villagers and friends of the family reportedly contributed money to raise the amount used to secure their freedom.
Their release has brought relief to the family and residents of Ugbene Ajima, who had been concerned about their safety since the abduction.
However, the Chairman of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, Barrister Chijioke Ezugwu, denied that any ransom was paid. He maintained that the victims were freed through the efforts of security agencies.
Ezugwu praised the security agencies for what he described as their commitment, professionalism and coordinated operations. He also assured residents that his administration would continue working with security agencies to improve surveillance and intelligence gathering across the area.
The chairman said efforts were being intensified to prevent a repeat of the incident and ensure criminal groups had no room to operate in the local government area.
