Abducted UBTH nurse freed

A 44-year-old woman, Mrs. Rita Aiwelera, who was kidnapped by gunmen at Ugbowo in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, has been released.

It was learnt that the victim, a nurse with the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, was released at about 10pm last Saturday, nearly a week after she was abducted.

Southern City News had reported that Rita was whisked away by the gunmen in the presence of her children at Igun-Owina quarters at about 7:45pm last Sunday.

The kidnappers, who reportedly forced her into a Toyota Highlander car, had also demanded a ransom of N10 million before she could be released.

The family had said that the matter was reported at the Ekiadolor Police Division and later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department.

The incident also sparked a protest by members of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, who demanded her unconditional release.

It was, however, learnt that the victim regained her freedom following a negotiation.

“Basically, we negotiated and at the end of the day, she was rescued. The police were not involved. She was released at about 10pm last (Saturday) night. They dropped her off along the bypass,” a source said.

Her husband, Dan, who confirmed her release to our correspondent on Sunday, said she had been taken to a hospital for medical treatment.

“She was hurt. We took her to the hospital to do a CT scan; she was tortured,” he said.