Anambra Commissioner, wife regain freedom after day in captivity

Anambra State Commissioner for Youth Development, Patrick Mba, and his wife have been released by their captors after spending a day in captivity.

The couple was abducted on their way to Abuja to attend a wedding, sparking concerns across the state.

According to reports from *Sunday PUNCH*, a reliable top government official, who requested anonymity, confirmed their release on Saturday, August 17, 2024.

The official revealed that the commissioner and his wife were freed earlier that day, bringing an end to their brief but harrowing ordeal.

The abduction had caused significant unrest, especially given the high-profile nature of the victims.

The details surrounding their release remain unclear, including whether a ransom was paid or the circumstances under which they were freed.

This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, where kidnappings have become a frequent concern, particularly for public figures and their families.

“The kidnapped Commissioner of Youth Development and his wife have been released today. To God be the glory. The state government will soon issue a statement on that,” the source added.

Some gunmen had on Friday, kidnapped the commissioner, alongside his wife, at an undisclosed location along the Edo-Kogi Expressway, on their way to Abuja to attend the wedding of Adaora, the daughter of the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, which was held on Saturday.

They were said to be travelling in a commercial Toyota Sienna bus with other passengers.

It was gathered that one of the commissioner’s aides, who was also on the journey with him, was killed in the process.

The state government has yet to make an official statement on the development.