The Head of Service in Edo State, Anthony Okungbowa, who was abducted last weekend, has regained his freedom.
The Newsbearer gathered from informed sources that Okungbowa was released late Monday night.
His driver was killed during the operation in which he was seized.
Top civil servants expressed joy at Okungbowa’s release on Monday as the news of his release came.
A WhatsApp message had gone round the civil servants at about 9.13 p.m., on Monday, and read: “Breaking… kidnapped HOS regained freedom unhurt. To God be the glory.”
A family source, who craved anonymity, confirmed the release of the Head of Service.
He disclosed that the ransom demanded by his abductors was paid by the family and state government.
The source also said that the police orderly attached to Okungbowa, who was shot during the kidnap, died on Monday evening, after complications arose from the gunshot injury he sustained.
The source, while commiserating with the family of those killed, expressed thanks to God for the freedom secured by Okungbowa from his kidnappers.
“The most important thing is that our brother has been released, and he is hale and hearty,” he said.
It will be recalled that Okungbowa was kidnapped on Saturday, December 19, 2020, while returning to Benin after attending a church thanksgiving service organised in honour of Governor Godwin Obaseki.
The kidnappers shot dead his official driver, along Oza Road, in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of the state.
