Abducted Imo church women leader freed by kidnappers

Kidnappers of one of the women leaders of the First Baptist Church on Wetheral Road in Owerri, Imo State, Mrs Elizabeth Abioye, who was abducted during a church service, has released her.

The church in a message of appreciation on Tuesday confirmed her release and thanked God and those who played roles in her freedom.

The statement read, “People of God, let us make a joyful noise unto the lord, our sister, Mrs  Abioye has been released by her abductors. Praise God.

“We give thanks to the Lord, our God for the marvelous way He heard and answered our prayers over her release.

“She was released today, July 19, 2022, from her kidnappers and she is back home safe and in sound mind.

“Our gratitude to everyone that prayed, gave, called and supported us in diverse ways since July 10.”

The victim who is the wife of the General Manager of Imo Zoological Garden at Nekede, Francis Abioye, was kidnaped on July 10 at the church.

A source at the church told our correspondent that her abductors had demanded N100m as the condition for her release.

While her husband had made an offer of N5m which was turned down, church members were appealed to donate into a designated account so as to secure the release of the women leader, the source said.

The state police spokesperson, Micheal Abattam, had yet to react to the release of the woman.