Twelve-year-old Munachi Umenyi, a secondary school student kidnapped in Ibadan, has regained her freedom after nearly two weeks in the hands of her abductors.
A family source confirmed her release on Wednesday night, expressing gratitude to well-wishers for their prayers, encouragement, and support throughout her ordeal.
Munachi was reportedly kidnapped on February 12 at about 7:20 a.m. in the Challenge area of the city while being dropped off at school. Eyewitnesses said the kidnappers arrived in a vehicle without a number plate, forcibly seized her as she alighted from the car, and fired shots into the air and at the tyres before fleeing with the victim.
In a message announcing her release, a family member said, “In thanksgiving to God, we announce the safe release of Munachi Umenyi. God be praised. Thank you all for your prayers, support and encouragement.”
Sources told reporters that a ransom was paid to secure her freedom, although the exact amount was not disclosed.
When contacted, the Oyo State Police Command spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, said the command had yet to receive official confirmation of her release but affirmed that investigations into the abduction were ongoing. The police appealed to the public to remain calm and provide credible information, assuring that all shared intelligence would be treated confidentially.