A female staff of the Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, Chidiebere Onyia, who was kidnapped on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State has been freed by her abductors.
According to The News Agency of Nigeria, Onyia, a nursing mother was released by her abductors in the early hours of February 14, which is globally celebrated as Valentine’s Day.
She was abducted on Tuesday evening at Woji Railway while driving home after work.
Spokesman for the Rivers Police Command, SP Nnamdi Omoni, who confirmed Onyia’s release in a statement on Sunday, described her release as a Valentine’s gift to her family.
“The Rivers Police Command is pleased to announce the unconditional release of Chidiebere Onyia, a reporter with NTA Port Harcourt, who was kidnapped last week (Tuesday).
“Her release was made possible due to the intense pressure mounted by the command as directed by the authority.
“Her abductors on seeing the red flag and oblivious of the fact that we were closing in on them, however, bowed to the seeming pressure and abandoned her, from where she was sighted and rescued.
“She is currently receiving medical attention and will be debriefed and released to reunite with her waiting family,” Omoni stated.
He said at the time of her abduction, that the command had assured her family, the Nigerian Union of Journalists and civil society organisations of her early release.
According to him, the command kept to its promise as Onyia regained her freedom at about 11.30 a.m. on Feb. 14.
“The command remains resolute in providing the enabling environment for all to realise their full potential in the state,” the spokesman assured the public.
