12-yr-old Munachi regains freedom after 13 days in captivity

By Adejayan Gbenga

12-year-old Munachi Umenyi, a secondary school student who was kidnapped in Ibadan, has regained her freedom after spending nearly two weeks with her abductors.

A family source confirmed her release on Wednesday night, while expressing appreciation to well-wishers for their prayers, encouragement and support throughout the period of the victim’s abduction.

Western Post confirmed that Munachi was kidnapped on February 12 at about 7:20 a.m. in the Challenge area of the city while being dropped off at school.

According to eyewitnesses, the kidnappers, who arrived in a vehicle without a number plate, forcefully seized her as she alighted from the car conveying her to school. The masked gunmen reportedly fired shots into the air and at the tyres of the vehicle before escaping with the victim.

In a message announcing her release, a family member said, “In thanksgiving to God, we announce the safe release of Munachi Umenyi. God be praised. Thank you all for your prayers, support and encouragement.”

Sources familiar with the development told newsmen that a ransom was paid to secure her freedom, however, the exact amount was not disclosed.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, Ayanlade Olayinka, said the command was yet to receive official confirmation of her release but noted that investigations into the abduction were ongoing.

The police further appealed to members of the public to remain calm and provide credible information, assuring that all intelligence shared would be handled confidentially.