A Chinese expatriate abducted in the southwest Nigeria last week has been released, with reports claiming N100m ransom was paid for his freedom.
The victim, who works for a Chinese construction company in Ekiti State, was abducted on Friday on the Ado Ekiti-Iyin Ekiti Road in Ekiti State.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Sunday Abutu, confirmed the release of the Chinese, following a manhunt launched by law enforcement agents for the abductors.
But reports claimed the Chinese was released after a ransom was paid to the kidnappers in a bush in Kwara State on Tuesday night.
Quoting sources, local media reported that the victim was released on the Igede-Ilawe Road in Ekiti State.
News Central reports that when the kidnappers attacked the victim, who is part of the Chinese team working on the Ado-Iyin Road under construction, a policeman was killed and one other person was hit by a stray bullet.
Abutu, who confirmed the release of the Chinese, however, denied that ransom was paid to secure his release.
“Yes, he was released after a serious manhunt and pressure from the security operatives around Ilawe-Igede around 11.30pm on Tuesday,” the police spokesperson said.
He assured residents of the state that the command would continue to do everything possible to chase away criminals from the state and ensure maximum security of lives and property.