Abducted Niger Commissioner freed

Niger Commissioner of Information, Sani Idris, who was abducted on Monday, has been freed.

The Commissioner, who was abducted at his residence at Babban-Tunga village in Tafa local government area, was released around 9.30 pm on Thursday at an unknown place.

The Nation learnt he showed up at Kofa Dam area of Tafa local government area.

He was later debriefed and immediately taken to a hospital for medical attention.

In a video taken by well-wishers during his arrival at his residence, the Commissioner disclosed those who abducted him were detailed to carry out the act on the basis he receives a large sum of money from the government monthly.

He said he has forgiven his abductors and left them crying in regret of abducting him.

“Allah has promised to test us. I have forgiven the people who kidnapped me. Please don’t curse them or say anything bad against them. I left them in regret.

“The kidnappers said they were contracted to kidnap me. They are from Zamfara.

” They don’t know me but the person who told them to kidnap me told them that the Governor gives me N200 million monthly.

“The kidnappers never knew this village before. They were given a picture of my house and that was how they came here.

“I have forgiven my kidnappers and their connivers,” the Commissioner said in Hausa language.

His family, in a statement, explained his release was facilitated by their efforts.

The statement signed by a member of the family, Ado Ada, said no ransom was paid for his release.

“His release was wholly the family efforts and no ransom was paid. The family facilitated his timely release with the divine intervention of Allah.

“The commissioner has reunited his family after receiving medical attention,” the statement reads.

But the Police, in a statement, said the Commissioner was released as a result of sustained pressure and trailing of the hoodlums by the joint security team.

The statement signed by Niger Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Wasiu Abiodun, claimed immediately after his abduction, it’s men mobilised a joint Police, military and vigilante team to the area for manhunt of the hoodlums with a view to rescuing the victim and arrest the culprits.

According to Abiodun, after sustained pressure and trailing of the hoodlums by the joint team, the Commissioner was released.