The 14-year-old girl abducted during a deadly attack on Uduere Community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State has regained her freedom after her family allegedly paid N16 million ransom.
Sources close to the family disclosed that the teenager was released around the Otokutu-Agbarha axis of Ughelli North LGA.
Her release came days after the community was thrown into panic following the killing of a security guard, Mr. Umukoro Obukohwo Emmanuel, and the abduction of the teenager, whose name was withheld.
The victim was reportedly taken away after armed men invaded the location where the security guard was on duty.
According to a family source, the kidnappers initially demanded N100 million for the girl’s release but, following negotiations with the family, the ransom was allegedly reduced to N16 million before the teenager was freed.
A source familiar with the negotiations said the victim appeared exhausted but was safely reunited with her family shortly after her release.
The development has brought relief to residents, many of whom had expressed fears over the rising wave of kidnapping and violent crimes in the area.
They called on security agencies to intensify efforts to track down those responsible for the attack and bring them to justice.
Residents of Uduere urged the Delta State Government and relevant security agencies to strengthen security surveillance in the community and neighbouring areas to prevent a recurrence.
The Delta State Police Command had yet to officially confirm the release of the teenager at press time.(Pointer )
