Florence Sadiku
ABDUCTED workers of Dangote Cement who were picked up on 13 May 2024 while returning from work have regained their freedom.
Eighteen-Eleven Media reports that the freedom came at a cost to the immediate family members of the victims. This medium gathered that the workers were released Wednesday night. It could not however be confirmed if the company paid any ransom to secure the release of the workers.
The medium had shortly after the incident reported that the kidnappers were asking for Nine Hundred Million Naira (N900,000,000.00). But a source who spoke with the medium on condition of anonymity said what was paid was way below the figure.
It will be recalled that the workers were ambushed on Monday 13 May 2024 by suspected bandits at Okpella in Edo State, a town near Okene in Kogi State.
Witnesses said it was unclear how many people were wounded or the severity as of Monday evening.
“Other people are in the bush. My colleague has bullet wounds. A coaster bus filled with staff was attacked at Okpella by kidnappers,” a witness said.
“They kidnapped our whole staff bus. Kidnappers took our staff.”
Michael Odofin, a spokesperson for Okpella Cement Plc, confirmed the attack and abduction.
“I cannot give any details right now. The attack is still fresh. We have no one killed,” said Mr Odofin.
A few days later, the kidnappers made a demand of Nine Hundred Million Naira for the release of the workers. It is unclear as of press time if Dangote Cement paid any ransom to secure the release of the workers. However, the wife of one of the victims confirmed to our correspondent that ransom was paid to secure the release of their breadwinner.
Eighteen-Eleven Media