The kidnapped candidate of the All Progressives Congress in next Saturday’s election, Mr. Ohio Ezomo, has been released by his kidnappers.
Ezomo, who is vying for Owan West Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, was release after 37 days in the hands of his abductors.
He was kidnapped on January 24 at his home town of Eme Ora, Owan West local government area, after his police orderly has been killed.
The kidnappers had reportedly demanded a princely sum of N100m from the family to secure his freedom.
Edo State Police spokesman, Mr. Chidi Nwabuzor, confirmed news of the release on Sunday in Benin.
He said that the ex-lawmaker who was a lawmaker in Edo State House of Assembly between 2011 and 2015 was released unhurt by his kidnappers at a spot near Afuze, the headquarters of neighbouring Owan East LGA.
Nwabuzor, who spoke to journalists on phone, however said that he didn’t know if a ransom was paid by Ezomo’s family to secure his release.
He said: “The kidnappers may have let go of their victim as a result of pressure from the police who were hot on their trail.
“Police operatives were right on top of the situation and gave the hoodlums a close marking throughout the duration of the matter in a determined bid to secure Ezomo’s release.
“Ohio Ezomo, who was taken away by unknown gunmen on January 24, has regained freedom. He was abandoned around Afuze. I don’t know if a ransom was paid.
“The police have been hot on the trail of the kidnappers. We gave them a close marking. I believe that is why they released him. He was released unhurt,” Nwabuzor said.