The abducted wife of former Chief of Staff to the Governor of Benue State, Honourable Terwase Orbunde, along with their cook, has been freed from captivity. Mrs. Abigail Kashimana Orbunde and Ms. Patience Ogute were kidnapped by gunmen in Makurdi last Friday evening, only to be released on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.
According to reports by another former aide to Dr Samuel Ortom, Mr Tarhav Agezua, an undisclosed sum was paid as ransom to the abductors, who had initially demanded N100 million for the release of Mrs Orbunde and Ms Ogute. The captives endured four days of captivity before regaining their freedom. Upon release, they were promptly taken to a hospital for urgent medical attention and have since been reunited with some family members.
The abduction occurred last Friday, April 12, 2024, when gunmen attacked Honourable Orbunde, injuring him with a gunshot to his right arm, and subsequently abducting his wife and cook. The incident took place along the Mobile Barracks-Welfare Quarters Road in Makurdi, the state capital, at about 6 pm.
Expressing her gratitude for their deliverance, Mrs Orbunde shared the challenges they faced during their captivity, including enduring long distances in the bush without food or water. Meanwhile, her husband, who is currently receiving medical treatment for gunshot wounds from the Kidnapping, expressed his thanks to God and all those who supported the family through prayers and financial contributions, which ultimately led to their release.
The Reverend Hyacinth Alia administration is yet to make an official statement regarding the incident and the steps being taken to ensure the safety of citizens in the state. It would be recalled however that following the kidnap, the administration had issued an order to the security agencies that all must be done to rescue the family members of the former Chief of Staff to a Benue State Governor, Terwase Orbunde.
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