Nollywood actor, Prince Eke narrates kidnap ordeal

In from Ahmed Boulor . . .
The fact that Nollywood actor Prince Eke has been released by his kidnappers and is now safely with his family is no longer news, but what is news is the revelation by the thespian that a certain amount was actually paid as ransom before he was set loose.

It could be recalled that days after the expiration of the ultimatum given by the kidnappers to pay the ransom, his wife Muma Gee and family members reportedly begged the kidnappers to have mercy on Prince Eke who they say is just an entertainer.

But according to the actor who was kidnapped while returning from a movie location in Asaba, on the Owerri-Port Harcourt road about two Saturday’s ago, he was allowed to go after the kidnappers collected the much his family members could gather.

“It was a harrowing experience: in the end, we paid the much we could gather and they freed me alongside others that were kidnapped. Coming out from the forest took over 45 minutes on bike at high speed. I still can’t believe I’m alive today, now I know that God has a mission for me here on earth to carry out. And am full of gratitude to God for I know now that He has a purpose for my life thus He gave me a second chance. I say His name alone be praised. May I also appreciate everyone for your prayers and support.” He said.

Recounting his first meeting with the kidnappers, Prince Eke said; “I was driving to Port Harcourt with my PA, around Ubima link into Port Harcourt road from Owerri-Port road. Three guys jumped out of the bush with heavy guns, shooting directly at us driving towards them. As I tried to reverse, two came from the back with guns too. At that point I surrendered shouting” please don’t shoot, please don’t shoot” they grabbed me and my PA straight into the bush. At that point, they recognised I was an actor and they got so excited. We walked for a long distance inside the bush after they had already taken everything on me remaining only my trousers.

Read also: N15m Ransom: Muma Gee may lose husband

“They blindfolded and took us to one uncompleted building and then removed the blindfold. They waited till night before they took us by okada for about 30 minutes ride to another uncompleted house where someone lives, because I heard voices. There, they took away my ATM cards and requested for my pin, of which I told them. There were nine of them. One of them went and withdrew all the money in my accounts and they shared among themselves. From there they transferred us to a thick forest at night and told us that this is where we were going to be sleeping till further notice. They chained us as we slept on the bear floor guided with four gunmen.” Prince Eke said.
The actor also revealed that he tried to escape at a certain time when the kidnappers lost their guard after he made a run but he was caught after a hot chase by his abductors who gave him the beating of his life when he was eventually caught.

“They beat me mercilessly, that I can’t even open my mouth well now or even eat, they were hitting me all over my body with guns and knives. When they saw I could bleed to death, they quickly called my wife and told her that if she didn’t come up with 15 million naira by Thursday that they would bury me alive, to serve as warning to the Federal Govt. and others who think they can joke with their business. One of them told me that I am so lucky to still be alive, that anybody that tries to escape is nothing but instant death.”
The actor who exclaimed that he “went to hell and came back” was at a loss to describe the situation when he said; “I don’t even know how to explain it. All I know is that God was in action, and knows why He gave me another chance.”

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