Sources told SaharaReporters that the gunmen kidnapped all the occupants of about six vehicles who were en route to Enugu from Abuja and other parts of northern states.
The medical doctor and son recently kidnapped at Otukpa, Benue State along the Enugu-Makurdi Federal Road have regained their freedom after the payment of ransom.
SaharaReporters reported on Saturday that scores of travellers including a medical doctor and his son had reportedly been kidnapped in Otukpa.
It reported that the travellers were kidnapped on Thursday evening despite several military and police checkpoints in the area.
Otukpa is a boundary community linking Benue State with Amalla Egazi in Enugu State, southeast Nigeria.
Sources told SaharaReporters that the gunmen kidnapped all the occupants of about six vehicles who were en route to Enugu from Abuja and other parts of northern states.
However, the medical doctor with Niger State General Hospital, Dr Emma Okolo, his son, and a lady identified as Ego Okozo, from Umanaa Ndiagu in Ezeagu local government area of Enugu were among the unlucky travellers who were kidnapped and taken into the bush on Thursday.
A family source, who confirmed their abduction to SaharaReporters, had said that they were on their way home for Christmas and New Year festivities.
"They are our members of the Ezeagu community here in Minna, Niger State and they were kidnapped between Otukpa and Amalla Egazi along Enugu-Makurdi Federal Road. They are from the Umanaa Ndiagu community," the source said.
The family source, however, told Saharareporters on Monday that the doctor, his son, and the lady had been released.
Although he said that a ransom was paid to secure their release, he did not disclose the amount paid.
"We give God all the glory, the doctor, his son, and a lady travelling with him were all released on late Sunday evening after ransom was paid. Friends organised themselves, contributed money and helped the family out in the ransom payment," he said.
A family source had disclosed that the gunmen had contacted the doctor’s wife to demand a ransom of N50 million.
However, it is not clear if the other travellers kidnapped on the same day have been released as well.
The Benue State Police Command spokesperson, SP Anene Sewuese Catherine, confirmed the abduction of the travellers but did not give details.