The wife of the former Chief of Staff to the Benue Governor, Terwase Orbunde, along with her housemaid, who were abducted by gunmen in Makurdi last Friday, have been freed. Mrs. Abigail Kashimana Orbunde and Ms. Patience Ogute were released on Tuesday after a ransom was paid to the kidnappers, who had initially demanded N100 million. They were held captive for four days before being set free.
The two women have since reunited with their family members and received immediate medical attention at a hospital. The abduction occurred after Orbunde was attacked by gunmen while inspecting a farm along the Mobile Barracks-Welfare Quarters Road in Makurdi, the state capital. Orbunde sustained a gunshot wound to his right arm, while his wife and housemaid were taken by the assailants.
Mrs. Orbunde expressed gratitude for their safe return, recounting the hardships they endured in the bush without sustenance. Her husband, currently undergoing treatment for his injuries, also expressed thanks for the support and prayers that aided in their release.
This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by individuals in vulnerable situations and the importance of community support in times of crisis. The resilience and faith exhibited by the Orbunde family in the face of adversity are truly inspiring.