Benin Kidnappers Release Chief Medical Director, Hubby

San Francisco, Sept 13, (THEWILL) – THEWILL can authoritatively report that the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Psychiatric Hospital in Benin City, Dr. (Mrs.) Olabisi Ihenyen and her husband, Dr. Lionel Ihenyen have been freed by their abductors.

A source familiar with the matter told THEWILL that the couple regained their freedom on Monday night. We are however unable to confirm if any ransom was paid.

The couple were kidnapped at mile 18, near the hospitals’ annex building a few days ago. Their abductors thereafter made a ransom demand of N50 million naira but reduced the demand to N16 million.

The Nigerian Medical Association, Edo State had issued a note to health workers in the state to embark on a total strike from 8.a.m on Tuesday following the non-release of the couple and the security situation in the state. Doctors had earlier withdrawn services, accepting only emergency cases treatments and treating in-patients only.

A doctor in the state who craved anonymity tolf THEWIL that " We, doctors are now an endengered specie in the state. A rally/demonstration has been scheduled for this morning to inform government that we are sick of living in fear."

However, placard-carrying protesters on Monday blocked the entire Uselu and Medical Store Roads, in Benin City which caused vehicular traffic for several hours.

The protesting workers of the medical facility called for the unconditional release of the couple, threatening to release psychiatric patients if they are not released immediately.