A 12-year-old girl, Munachi Umenyi, who was abducted in Ibadan, has regained her freedom.
A family source confirmed her release to PUNCH Online on Wednesday night.
Umenyi was kidnapped on February 12 at about 7:20am in the Challenge area of Ibadan, Oyo State, while being dropped off for school.
The abductors, who arrived in a vehicle without a number plate, reportedly struck and whisked her away as she alighted from the car conveying her to her private secondary school.
The masked men were said to have seized the girl from the driver at the junction leading to her school.
Witnesses said the assailants shot into the air and at the tyres of the vehicle before fleeing with the victim.
A message from a family source announcing her release read, “In thanksgiving to God, we announce the safe release of Munachi Umenyi. God be praised. Thanks to you all for your prayers, support and encouragement. Remain blessed.”
Sources indicated that a ransom was paid for her release, although the amount was not disclosed.
The Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, Ayanlade Olayinka, said the command was not yet aware of her release but had made progress in its investigation into the incident.
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Following the abduction, the police had urged members of the public to remain calm and provide useful information, assuring that such information would be treated with utmost confidentiality.
