Chairman of Ogbia local government council, Bayelsa state, Eniye Sasime Abah who was kidnapped five days ago, has been released. It seems the family paid an undisclosed amount of money to the kidnappers before they agreed to set him free. Abah was kidnapped in a commando style on April 22 along Otuasega/ Okarki road by gunmen driving a Mazda 325. He was dragged from his official Prado SUV into a speed boat and whisked to the Abua waterways in Rivers States. Investigations revealed that security agencies were contacted when the kidnappers made contact with the family on the payment of ransom. Though security agencies were said to have kicked against the idea of paying the kidnappers, Abah had directed that the ransom be paid for him to secure his release. He said he should secure his release first before security agencies would go after the kidnappers, a security source stated. He was said to have been taken to Ogonoko waterside in a speed boat Sunday night and set free by his abductors. Abah who was given back his phone was said to have called his Police orderly and some relatives intimating them of his location. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ansim Butwats who confirmed Abah's release however said no ransom was paid. “Yes the Chairman of Ogbia local government council who was kidnapped has been released. He was released Sunday night by his abductors. He was taken to Ogonoko waterside in Abua Odua central local government area and allowed to go home. He called his Police orderly and some relatives and told them they should come and pick him. There was no ransom that was paid. His health condition is okay after his release,” Butwats stated.
