By Halima Olamide
A prominent traditional ruler in Imo has said the police did not rescue him after his kidnap as claimed.
Samuel Ohiri, former Chairman Imo Council of Traditional Rulers he had refrained from speaking on the claim by the police which said he was rescued by them and other security agencies.
Ohiri was kidnapped in Orodo Mbaitoli LGA of Imo State on June 6, and was released after 12 days.
“Contrary to what the police said about my release, there is no hiding the fact that they never played any role.
“I actually don’t want to speak on this but I’m doing it just to set the records straight. I’m not disputing the fact that the police may have made efforts towards my release but I’m talking about what I know.
“It was my relationship with God and the help from my family people that made it possible. Although, that was after we paid a ransom,” he said to newsmen on Friday
Going further, the traditional ruler stated, “I was coming back after visiting my friend around 8:30pm, when I met able-bodied men in front of my palace gate who came in their vehicle.
“They double-crossed me and forced me into their vehicle. My cousin brother smartly introduced himself as my driver and they set him free. They now blindfolded me and zoomed off to an unknown destination.
“I saw hell within the twelve days I spent in their den. Negotiations began between my people and the kidnappers and I was eventually set free after the payment of first and second ransom was made.”
NPO Reports that kidnapping is a major problem in the South East of Nigeria.
It is also happening in many other parts of the country such as Kogi, Ogun, Nasarawa, Benue.