The former deputy governor of Nasarawa State, Prof. Onje Gye‑Wado, has been released after his family reportedly paid a ransom of about N4 million to his abductors. The kidnappers had invaded the Gwagi community in Wamba Local Government Area last Friday, abducting Gye‑Wado and initially demanding N70 million for his release. Because of cash shortages during the Easter holidays, the family initially offered N2 million. However, the bandits insisted on a higher sum, prompting the family to increase the payment to approximately N4 million.
According to a family source, the ransom was collected near Mada Hills Secondary School in Akwanga LGA, along with a N200 recharge card. Gye‑Wado was released on Sunday night near Angwan Chiyawa, close to the hills between Akwanga and Nasarawa Eggon LGA. After his release, he was taken to the palace of the paramount ruler of Wamba, Oriye Rindre Justice Lawal Musa Nagogo, where he reunited with members of his community.
Police Public Relations Officer DSP Ramhan Nansel confirmed the release to our correspondent in Lafia on Monday, attributing it to sustained pressure from the police command and sister security agencies in the state. He denied reports that a ransom was paid, stating, “The former Deputy Governor, Onje Gye‑Wado, was released yesterday (Sunday) at about 9 pm due to sustained pressure from the search and rescue team. Based on what some people are saying, the command is not aware of any ransom being paid, and to the best of my knowledge, no ransom was paid.”
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