The Nasarawa State Police Command confirmed on Wednesday that no ransom was paid for the release of Safiyanu Andaha, the abducted chairman of Akwanga Local Government Area.
In an interview with PUNCH Online, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ramhan Nansel, provided details regarding the release of the chairman.
Responding to inquiries about the possibility of a ransom payment, the PPRO stated, “No ransom was paid. The victim and the person the abductors contacted confirmed to us that no dime was paid. They were released at about 8.40 pm (Tuesday) due to sustained pressure mounted on them by our operatives deployed on their trail.”
Earlier reports had indicated that gunmen kidnapped Andaha and another individual, Adamu Umar, on New Year’s Day at Ningo village along Andaha-Akwanga Road.
Despite the kidnappers initially demanding a N50 million ransom for their release, the police successfully secured their freedom without any financial transaction.
The PPRO also noted that the victims were released as a result of effective police efforts, stating, “They were released at about 8.40 pm (Tuesday) due to sustained pressure mounted on them by our operatives deployed on their trail.”
This clarification comes as part of the ongoing efforts by the Nasarawa State Police Command to address and respond to incidents of abduction in the region.
