By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
Kidnappers of a newly called-to-the-bar lawyer, Peace Onyesom, and her sister, Gift, are demanding ₦40 million for their release.
The sisters were abducted along the Okene-Auchi road on Friday while returning to Benin from the Call-to-the-Bar ceremony of September 23.
Their sister, Adaeze Onyesom, confirmed the demand on Sunday, saying the kidnappers initially asked for ₦100 million before reducing it to ₦40 million.
“They allowed us to speak with Peace and Gift. They were crying and begging us to raise the money,” she said.
The family has begun selling property to raise funds, while pleading with the Federal Government and security agencies for urgent intervention.
Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin announced that eight of the 12 abducted persons along the same route had been rescued by joint police and military operations. But the Onyesom family disputed the claim, insisting the bus manifest showed only eight passengers.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), condemned the abduction as “unacceptable,” urging authorities to act swiftly to secure the victims and restore public confidence in highway safety.
The Okene-Auchi road and surrounding highways remain notorious for kidnappings, with several similar incidents reported this year.
