By Patrick Obia
Report reaching our newsroom has it that Cross River-born Navy Rating Soldier, Damian Ukpukpen has regained his freedom from captivity.
Damian Ukpukpen is an indigene of Ohong in Obudu Local Government Area in Cross River State, and personnel of the Nigerian Navy Rating. He was kidnapped on September 26, 2022, in Benin, the Edo State capital, and remained in captivity till around 3:am this (Monday) morning, along with other abductees.
It was reported that he accompanied a senior female Naval officer as her orderly from Warri where he served to Benin, for an official event. The kidnappers were said to have stormed the hotel where they lodged in Benin and forcefully took him away at gunpoint. And, a few days later the kidnappers demanded N30 million ransom.
However, source told CrossRiverWatch that no ransom was paid.