Unknown gunmen abducted and later freed Chief Ezebinobi Ezigbo, President-General of the Abatete community in the Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

According to reports by newsmen, the criminals abducted Ezigbo late on Tuesday, a few hours after he attended the inauguration ceremony of the new Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, by the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo.

However, he was said to have been freed on Wednesday by his abductors after spending a night in captivity.

A witness and native of the community, who pleaded anonymity, confirmed that the PG, a kinsman of the newly appointed commissioner, was followed to his residence by the kidnappers, who monitored him from Awka, the state capital where he attended the inauguration ceremony.

The sources said, “The kidnappers followed him home in their car at about 6:30 pm on Tuesday after the new Information Commissioner was inaugurated.

As he arrived at his house, the abductors jumped out of their vehicle, pointing guns at him and forcing him to leave his car, after which they abducted him in their own vehicle.

The report also noted that the victim was set free and safely reunited with his family on Wednesday.

While it is unclear if a ransom was paid to secure his release, a community leader told journalists that the abducted man has been freed and is back with his family.

“Yes, he has regained his freedom and has reunited with his family. I don't know if any ransom was paid,” he stated.

When contacted, the police Public Relations Officer in the State, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, could not confirm the incident, as he said he had no information about the alleged abduction.