The abducted female reporter of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Port Harcourt Zonal Office, in Rivers State, Chidiebere Onyia, has regained freedom five days after his captors seized her.
The Guardian learnt that Onyia, a nursing mother, was released in the early hours of yesterday.
Onyia, who was abducted on February 9, 2021 at gunpoint along the railway line in Woji, Obio/ Akpor Council Area of the State while returning from work was said to have fainted immediately she arrived home.
When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Nnamdi Omoni, said he could only confirm the incident when he sees (Onyia) but some of her colleagues who have been following up her abduction confirmed her freedom.
It was however, not clear if family members and her employer paid ransom to secure her release.
Some of her colleagues told The Guardian that Onyia was taken to the hospital immediately she fainted, adding that she was currently responding to treatment.
Reacting to Onyia’ release, Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Rivers State Council, Ike Wigodo, said members of the NUJ received the news with utmost delight.
Speaking on telephone, Wigodo said: “The council is happy about her release, but we do not want the police to relent, we want the police to ensure that the kidnappers are arrested and prosecuted.”
