Freedom Restored: NTA Staff and 12 Passengers Released Following Alleged N7.5 Million Ransom Payment (Picture)
Kidnapped NTA employee Tom Tikyaa, along with 12 other passengers on a Benue Links bus, have been liberated following what some family sources claim to be a payment of N7.5 million as ransom. The abduction occurred last Sunday on the Otukpo – Ugbokolo road in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State. The bus, en route from Onitsha in Anambra State to Makurdi, was intercepted by armed assailants who abducted the victims and transported them to an undisclosed location.
The Secretary General of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (Benue Links chapter), Comrade Gabriel Tachia, confirmed the victims’ release on Wednesday night. However, he stated that he is not aware of any ransom payment for their freedom.