Kidnapped wife of Ortom’s former CoS, maid regain freedom

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The wife of Mr. Terwase Orbunde, former Chief of Staff to former Governor Samuel Ortom, Mrs. Abigail Orbunde, along with her maid, Patience Ogute, has been released from captivity, according to Vanguard.

Last Friday, armed assailants, suspected to be herders, attacked Mr. Orbunde, his wife, and maid at his farm located along Mobile Barracks-Welfare Quarters Road on the outskirts of Makurdi.

During the attack, the former Chief of Staff was shot in the arm, while his wife and maid were abducted. Subsequently, the abductors demanded a ransom of N100 million for their release.

The news of the release of Mrs. Orbunde and her maid was announced in a statement shared on the verified social media account of a close associate of the family, Mr. Tahav Agerzua.

Mr. Agerzua said in a statement that Mrs. Orbunde and her maid “regained their freedom Tuesday, April 16, 2024, after an undisclosed amount was paid as ransom to their abductors, who had demanded N100 million.”

He stated that “the captives spent four harrowing days in captivity before their release. They have reunited with some of their family members and taken to hospital for immediate medical attention.

“Mrs Orbunde expressed gratitude to God for their deliverance and said they walked long distances in the bush without food and water.

“Her husband, who is receiving treatment in hospital for gunshot wounds, thanked God and all those who stood with the family through prayers and financial contributions that have secured their release.”