Former Chairman of Senate Committee on Privatization, Senator Ayo Arise, has regained freedom.
Arise was reportedly dropped at Ibillo town in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State by his captors. The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant in Ekiti State was released unhurt Friday evening.
Although details of his release were sketchy as of the time of filing this report, it was not clear whether any ransom was paid. Arise was abducted at about 7.00 pm on Sunday at a location between Okene and Lokoja in Kogi State while on his way to Abuja.
His abductors later contacted family members and associates and demanded a ransom of N80 million. A childhood friend and old schoolmate, Hon. Funminiyi Afuye, confirmed the release of Arise to The Nation around 8.00 pm on Friday.
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.
“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.”
Arise represented Ekiti North Senatorial District in the upper Chamber between June 2007 and June 2011.