Goodnews: Abducted Osun Officials Released

SAN FRANCISCO, April 24 (THEWILL) – The three officials of the Osun State Civil Service abducted by gunmen in Kogi State last Friday have regained their freedom.

The State Head of Service, Sunday Olayinka Owoeye in a statement declared that Mrs. Bimpe Ogunlumade, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance; Mr. Tajudeen Badejoko, Director of State Audit; and the Driver to the Auditor-General(State), Mr. Oladapo Ajani Arogundade, were freed by their abductors on Sunday evening.

There are indications that the three civil servants were still with security operatives in Kogi State and might not return to Osogbo, the Osun State capital until Monday.

They were abducted around 1:30pm on Friday while returning to Osun State after an official assignment in Abuja.

It was not clear if ransom was paid for the release of the officials but there were unconfirmed rumour that the kidnappers demanded N50 million ransom.

Sources told THEWILL that the Head of Service, Osun State, Sunday Owoeye, had confirmed the release of the victims having spoken to the permanent secretary; the director and the driver, who spent two days in the den of the hoodlums.

He said arrangements are being made to convey them to Osogbo immediately by security agents with a view to re-uniting them with their families and relations.

Story by David Oputah