Retired Police Inspector, Mr. Ayuba Mangdihis from Daika in Panyam District of Mangu Local Council in Plateau State, who was kidnapped on Tuesday, November 1, has been released after undisclosed ransom was paid. He was released on Sunday by 9:00 p.m.

Another victim, one Mr. Jacob Dawet, abducted the same day with Mangdihis also regained his freedom from the kidnappers. A family member who confirmed the development to newsmen yesterday, said they were released unhurt.

According to the source, while in custody, the victims were made to speak with all their family members, asking them to mobilise themselves and source funds by all means to save their lives.

The source expressed surprise that the kidnappers did so because they usually talk only when negotiation was almost concluded. The source further disclosed that the victims were received at Kombili village, North of Daika, which share boundary with Gindiri town of Mangu council.

Mangdihis was kidnapped at about 11.00p.m. at his residence. He was sleeping when the kidnappers came knocking and asked him to open his door.

According to the source, when the police officer woke up and realised that they were kidnappers, he pleaded with them, but the kidnappers forced the door open, took him away after they fired gun shots into the air.

“They left with their victim and had not contacted them, leaving the family in shock. But when negotiation with the kidnappers was opened, members of the public, including journalists were not in the picture until this last Sunday when he was released after some undisclosed amount was paid as ransom.

Mr. Gashon Leks, also from Daika was once kidnapped but later released after ransom was paid about two weeks later. The District Head of Panyam was also kidnapped this year but was later released.