The Deputy Governorship candidate of the Young People’s Party (YPP), Cross River, Prince Agbor Onyi and Assistant Superintendent Immigration Officer, Asi Imojara and two others kidnapped in Cross River have regained freedom.

They and two others were kidnapped two days before the Saturday (March 18) Governorship and State House of Assembly elections along the Calabar/ Ikom highway, Akparavuni in the Biase local government area of the state.

The Guardian had earlier reported that the Immigration Officer was kidnapped while on his way to Ogoja where he was posted for special duty (election duty) along with the YPP Deputy Governorship candidate and two others in their Toyota Corolla vehicle.

It was gathered that the kidnappers released them on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, after paying the ransom.

It will be recalled that the kidnappers had demanded N200 million as a ransom for their release.

Confirming his release, the YPP Deputy Governorship candidate said the experience was terrible and terrifying, disclosing that they were released in the earlier hours of Tuesday.

While also confirming if they paid the ransom for their freedom, Onyi said the kidnappers actually demanded N50 million from each of their captives, but they ended up paying what they could afford which he did not disclose

He said neither the Nigeria Police Force nor any security agency came to their rescue.

“The experience was terrible. The Police did not come, neither did any security agency – maybe if they had, they [kidnappers] could have killed us.

“First, they (kidnappers) demanded N50 million from each person, we could not pay. We later paid what we had before they released us”, Onyi said.

Also confirming the release of the Immigration Officer, a family source who preferred anonymity said that Imojara was released after a ransom was paid.

“They were released around 3 a.m. this morning (Tuesday, March 21) after they paid a certain amount of money. They could not afford the 50 million naira ransom put on each person’s head. No security agency was involved in the release. He said.

The Calabar/Akamppa/ Biase axis has been a dangerous spot for kidnapping activities as more than 50 persons have been kidnapped on that same road in the past 10 months.

Last month, the Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) Pastor Usani Usani’s convoy was attacked, but he escaped by a whisker.

It was gathered that one of his supporters who were unlucky to escape into the bush is still missing to date as the kidnappers have not demanded for any ransom.

Usani was the Former Minister of the Niger Delta during President Muhammad Buhari’s first tenure.

•Deputy Governorship candidate of the Young People’s Party (YPP), Cross River, Prince Agbor Onyi