Six days after, kidnappers free Senator Arise

Former Chairman of Senate Committee on Privatization, Senator Ayo Arise has been freed from the den of kidnappers six days after he was abducted while on a journey from Akure to the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja.

Reports say Senator Arise who is eyeing the Ekiti State governorship position under the All Progressives Congress (APC) was released unhurt by his captors who reportedly dropped him at Ibillo town in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.

Details about the release of Senator Arise remains sketchy as it is also not clear whether family members of the politician paid the 80 million ransom demanded by the kidnappers to effect his release.

Confirming his release, a childhood friend and old schoolmate of the Senator, Hon. Funminiyi Afuye said; “I spoke with him (Arise) after his release and he told me that he was dropped inside a bush in Ibillo after they had trekked long distances.

Read also: Ekiti Senator kidnapped by gunmen, abductors demand 80m ransom

“He said the kidnappers kept changing locations after he was kidnapped on Sunday so that they won’t be tracked down by security agencies.” A Facebook post on Friday night by Arise’s political followers read: “We the entire camp of Senator Ayo Arise wish to appreciate the general public for your uncommon show of love and kindness during our trying times.

“We appreciate your steadfastness and we are grateful for your prayers. We thank you for your brotherly concern. Senator Ayo Arise is back.”

Before he was kidnapped, the Senator who defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, shortly before the Governorship elections that ousted former Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi in 2015, was said to have attended some events last weekend in Ado Ekiti, the state capital and Ikere Ekiti on Saturday.

He also took part in a golf knock around with friends on Sunday at the Ado Ekiti Golf Club along Poly Road, Ado Ekiti before he was whisked away by kidnappers.

 

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