Abducted Wife and Housemaid of Former Benue Governor's Aide Freed After Ransom Payment

Abigail Orbunde, the wife of Terwase Orbunde, a former Chief of Staff to the immediate past governor of Benue State, and Patience Ogute, their housemaid, have regained their freedom after being abducted by kidnappers last Friday. The women were released on Tuesday following the payment of an undisclosed ransom amount, according to family members.

The abduction occurred at about 6 pm on Friday while Orbunde, his wife, and their housemaid were on their farm. The kidnappers shot Orbunde in the right arm before abandoning him and taking the two women . Orbunde is currently receiving treatment for his gunshot wounds at a hospital.

After spending four harrowing days in captivity, walking long distances in the bush without food or water, the women were finally released. They have been reunited with their family and taken to the hospital for medical attention.

"We appreciate God for their deliverance," said Mrs. Orbunde. "We walked long distances in the bush without food or water."

Her husband also expressed appreciation, thanking God and all those who stood with the family through prayers and financial contributions that secured the release of his wife and housemaid. "I thank God and all those who stood with the family through prayers and financial contributions that have secured the release," Orbunde said from his hospital bed where he is being treated for the gunshot wounds.

Why this matters: The abduction and subsequent release of the wife and housemaid of a former top government official in Benue State highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by residents in parts of Nigeria. Kidnapping for ransom has become a major concern, with victims often enduring harsh conditions in captivity until payments are made to secure their freedom.

The Orbunde family expressed relief and appreciation for the support they received during the ordeal. "We appreciate God for their deliverance," Mrs. Orbunde reiterated, recounting the long distances they were forced to walk in the bush by their captors. Her husband, still recovering from gunshot wounds, expressed his appreciation for those who assisted with prayers and finances to secure the women's release after four difficult days.

Key Takeaways

• Wife and housemaid of ex-Benue official abducted, released after ransom paid
• Husband shot in arm during abduction, now receiving hospital treatment
• Victims endured harsh conditions, walked long distances in bush without food/water
• Family expressed gratitude for prayers, financial contributions that secured release
• Incident highlights ongoing security challenges and kidnapping concerns in Nigeria