Released NTA Reporter Shares Her Ordeal In Kidnappers’ Camp

The reporter of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) that was kidnapped few days ago, and released on Saturday 23rd, shares her ordeal of how she was abducted and her time in her kidnapper’s nest.

The nursing mother and reporter of NTA, Akure, Ondo State, Mrs Olubunmi Oke narrated her three-day ordeal to Sunday Aborisade, read on...

Can you recollect events that led to your kidnapping?

“I noticed a car following me at high speed when I drove out of my office, moments after I closed for the day. So I had to increase speed at which I was driving and I rolled up my glass.

Very close Jojein Hotel on Oba-Ile road, the road was very bad. So I had to slow down to carefully manoeuvre through the potholes. It was at that point that they levelled up with me and I was double-crossed.

What happened after that?

I asked them what my offence was. I even offered them my car keys but three of them, armed with guns, dragged me into their car. One of them got into my car and drove behind us.

Did you see where they were taking you to?

They drove through Owode to FUTA and to Ondo. They told me they were taking me to Delta State but when we got to Ore, they blindfolded me. They covered my eyes from Thursday to Saturday night when I was released. So it was impossible for me to know where i was.

We learnt that your house-girl and your six-month-old baby were with you in the car?

My housemade and baby were in the car with initially. They (the kidnappers) dropped them on the road before driving my car away. They later got home in a public transport. I learnt they later abandoned my car at Igbara-Oke.

Where is the car now?

At the moment the car is with the police, in Anti Robbery Squad section. When I was released on Saturday, they gave me my car keys. I hope to get the car during the week.

Did you suspect anyone as being responsible for your ordeal?

No. Nobody sent them to me. It was a case of random kidnapping. I just walked into their hands. I don’t think anyone sent them to me because they were asking me a series of questions, ‘Where do you work?’ ‘Who are you?’

I think that showed clearly that they did not know anything about me. I think the car I was driving coupled with the way I was dressed (I read news that evening; so I still had my clothes and jewellery on), made them think I was a good catch.

How will you describe your experience in their hands?

My experience in their hands was not palatable. For days, I could only drink water. I just believe now that I am back home, God is my security.

How much did your family pay before they released you?

No ransom was paid. The State Security took charge of the situation; the SARS and God’s intervention were also there. So, we did not pay. Also, the fact that they got to know that I was a journalist and that the news was everywhere hastened my release.”

We thank God she is back safe and sound, and that the kidnappers did not harm her child and the househelp.