Makurdi, November 18, 2023 – Amina Audu, the recently released head of Okpokwu Local Government Area in Benue State, shared the harrowing details of her captivity, stating that the kidnappers provided only pawpaw and garri for sustenance during the ordeal.
Audu, who had been under suspension along with other council chairmen since Governor Hyacinth Alia took office, was kidnapped along the deteriorated Naka-Makurdi road along with her driver. After enduring three days in captivity, she was released.
Speaking to journalists in Makurdi, Audu expressed the challenges faced in the kidnappers’ hideout. She stated, “You know how harrowing it is to be with kidnappers, I cannot even say much now. They (kidnappers) don’t have food in the bush; they only gave us pawpaw and garri to drink.”
The specific amount paid as ransom for their release was not disclosed to Audu during the negotiation process. Catherine Anene, the Police Spokeswoman for the Benue Command, had previously confirmed the kidnapping of the suspended council chairman.
