The cash withdrawal limit policy was one of the deliberate attempts by the federal government to make kidnapping and payment of ransom a herculean task for those engaging in the unholy enterprise just as the Edo state police command, yesterday, dismissed insinuations that an undisclosed amount of money was paid as ransom to secure the release of one of the Edo state train kidnapped victims.
It was reported last Tuesday that a Warri bound train containing no fewer than thirty seven passengers was waylaid by unidentified gunmen at Igueben with the passengers abducted. But a little boy, whose names were withheld for security reasons was reported to have escaped in the midst of the confusion that erupted during the operations.
Yesterday, one of the captives in the kidnappers’ den, a woman gained her freedom with the aid of the police, other security operatives and local haunters who were detailed to ensure the release of all the kidnapped victims. This brings to seven of the number of victims thus released.
The Edo state police command Public Relations Officer, PRO, Chidi Nwabuzor who confirmed the release of the woman, dismissed report that ransom was paid to secure the release of the kidnapped victim.
While responding to questions from newsmen, the police spokesman said: “I’m not aware that ransom was paid but the police with collaboration of other security personnel and local haunters, we were able to secure the release of the woman.”
He however disclosed that the released woman had been reunited with members of her family in Warri, adding that others still in the kidnappers’den would be release in no distant time.
The police spokesman also disclosed that six suspected persons are already in their custody and are currently helping the police with vital information that would aid the release of other abductees.
It would recalled that on the sad day of the reported incident, Edo state Governor, Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki assured family members of the kidnapped victims and the public that all the victims would be released unhurt.
Though the Governor who was visibly angry at the unpleasant development, didn’t disclosed how he would accomplished the rescue mission of abductees. This may have fueled speculations that undisclosed amount of money was paid as ransom to secure the release of the woman.
But as the deadline for the cashless policy lapsed yesterday, speculations were rife in certain quarters that an undisclosed amount of money was paid to the kidnappers as ransom to secure the release of the victim .
The government in it’s wisdom, formulated the Cash withdrawal limit policy not only to tightened the nose of politicians who are neck deep in manipulating the electoral process with cashed money but also to making the kidnapping adventure an unprofitable enterprise.
