Edo State PDP Chairman Kidnapped Has Been Released

Dr. Tony Azegbemi

Dr. Tony Azegbemi, the chairman of the PDP in Edo State, was released from captivity eleven days after he was abducted.

Azegbemi was kidnapped from his home in the government-reserved region of Benin City, the state capital, on Saturday, March 16.

According to reports, Azegbemi's ordeal came to an end when he arrived at his home at around three in the morning.

Senator Odion Ugbesia made the announcement of his release around 10 o'clock on Tuesday, March 26. It remained unclear, though, if a ransom was paid to gain his freedom.

Azegbemi was kidnapped while being followed by his assailants, who were driving two Toyota Corollas.

They stopped his car on Odaro Street near his home, on March 16, at about 11 o'clock at night.

N500,000,000 ransom was reportedly demanded by Azegbemi's captors after they got in touch with his family.

Azegbemi was ambushed while his driver was navigating a speed bump during the kidnapping, which happened as he was making his way home from a meeting at the Government House.

The family was reportedly under pressure to pay the ransom, according to sources, although it's unclear if any headway was achieved in this regard or if the PDP participated in the talks.

The source said, “I don't know what the family members are doing to raise the money or if the party, the PDP, is doing anything to assist them.”

However, the long wait for Dr. Tony Azegbemi's safe return is over with his release, which relieves his friends, family, and coworkers.