Bassey Inyang in Calabar
A former commissioner for Information in Cross River State, Mr Patrick Ugbe who was kidnapped on Thursday in Calabar has been released by his abductors.
Information gathered has it that Ugbe regained freedom on Saturday. Ugbe, currently the Chief Executive Office of Hit 95.9 FM has reunited with his family.
However, at the headquarters of the radio station, the staff who said that they were not competent to speak on the development, confided in THISDAY that Ugbe has been released.
Though the kidnappers had allegedly demanded N30 million about 24 hours after Ugbe was kidnapped, it could not be ascertained whether any random was paid for his release.
The abduction of Ugbe who once served as chief press secretary to the governor, and later as commissioner for Information, before he was posted to the ministry of youths and sports generated serious concern, and condemnation across the state.
Confirming the release of Ugbe, the police public relations officer for the state, Irene Ugbo said “the CEO of Hit FM has been released and he is right now with his family.”
Ugbo said no ransom was paid for his release. “No ransom was paid, the combined efforts of security agencies in the state and the office of the state security adviser were on top of the matter to secure his release.
“We thank God that he was released alive without any harm.
“The police, in collaboration with other sister agencies in the state, would continue to work together to safe guard the lives and property of the citizens,†Ugbo said.
