Abducted Taraba council chairman regains freedom

The abducted caretaker committee chairman of the Takum local government council of Taraba State, Boyi Manja, has regained his freedom.

The council boss, who had been held hostage since last Sunday, was confirmed to have regained his freedom on Thursday night.

It is, however, unclear if a ransom was paid.

The chairman, who was kidnapped along Wukari/Takum road last Sunday, could not be reached at the time of filing this report.

Confirming his release, the leader of the Local Government Legislative Council, Pius Bulus Gauva, said, “we are glad that our principal has finally regained his freedom.”

The leader, who was full of praise to God, the state government and security operatives, could not tell whether or not a ransom was paid.

Stressing that he does not know the details of his release, he said, “All I can tell you is that no telephone calls were made to us by the kidnappers throughout the period they held him hostage. So it will be difficult to know the details of his release now.”

“Our major concern and joy is that he has been released, he is back home to his family, to the council and to the state at large. Above all, he is healthy. So, we return the glory back to our God,” he added.

Also confirming his release, the personal assistant to the chairman, Benjamin Obadiah, admitted that his principal had been released, stating that he regained his freedom last night.

The state police command also confirmed his release, saying it was made possible by a joint operation with sister agencies, including the military.

Abdullahi Usman, the command spokesman, said no ransom was paid, saying that the heat from the joint team forced his abductors to set him free.