Nine students who were kidnapped while traveling along the East-West Road in Ughelli, Delta State, South-south Nigeria have been freed, according to the police. The students, who were returning from school in Calabar, Cross Rivers State, were abducted from the minibus they were traveling in. The driver of the vehicle managed to escape unharmed.
The police spokesperson in Delta State, Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident and the subsequent release of the students. The nine students were released by their abductors, although it is unclear if any ransom was paid for their freedom. The incident occurred shortly after three students from the University of Calabar were also abducted by gunmen.
In recent times, insecurity has been on the rise in Delta State, with several violent incidents reported. Just a week prior to the students’ kidnapping, gunmen had killed six police officers in the state, with six others still missing. Additionally, 17 soldiers were reportedly killed by suspected residents of the Okuama community in the state, leading to further unrest.
The release of the nine students brings a glimmer of hope amidst the escalating violence in the region. The police continue to investigate the incidents and work towards ensuring the safety and security of all residents in Delta State.
