By CrossRiverWatch admin
The Cross River State Security Adviser SSA, Mr. Jude Ngaji has told CrossRiverWatch that the expatriates who were kidnapped in Calabar and the two Nigerians who were also abducted along with them have been released early today (Sunday) morning.
Ngaji who debunked claims that ransom was paid for their release also disclosed that all the foreigners were released unhurt without any injury while the two Nigerians sustained minor injuries possibly from torture by the kidnappers.
“I can confirm to you that all the kidnapped persons have been released this morning. All the white guys were released unhurt without any issues, but the two black guys, the Nigerians sustained some minor injuries possibly from torture.”
When questioned whether ransom was paid, the SSA said “Government does not pay ransom. I don’t know anything about any ransom. If any was paid, I am not aware and it was not paid by this government or any of the security agencies. I only know that the various security agencies collaborated and did their work very well and commendably to secure the release of the hostages.”
Mr. Ngaji who could not say whether any of the kidnappers were arrested however promised that none of them will go unpunished.
“In the course of the work to release the victims, the security agents gathered a lot of information about the kidnappers and their activities and I want to assure the public that none of them will go unpunished. I don’t want to speak too much on that.” He said.
But a top security source told CrossRiverWatch that an undisclosed amount of money was paid to the kidnappers to free the victims. The source said, that however does not stop the security agencies from continuing their trail of the kidnappers and making sure they are arrested eventually and brought to book.
Meanwhile there are indications that most of the foreigners who work for the Lafarge Cement factory in Mfamosing, Akamkpa LGA have deserted their duty posts because of the development.
A CrossRiverWatch reporter who visited the company to talk to the lucky expatriate who escaped being kidnapped was told that none of the foreigners have come to work since the incident happened on Wednesday.
It will be recalled that 5 persons including three expatriates working for a contractor who works for Lafarge Cement in Akamkpa were abducted while one Nigerian was shot dead by the kidnappers on their way to work last Wednesday.
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