Abducted 12-Year-Old Girl Regains Freedom in Ibadan

A 12-year-old girl, Munachi Umenyi, who was abducted in Ibadan, Oyo State, has regained her freedom after days in captivity.

A family source confirmed her release on Wednesday night, expressing gratitude to God and to all who supported the family during the difficult period.

Naija Metro News had reported that Munachi was kidnapped on February 12 at about 7:20 a.m. in the Challenge area of Ibadan while she was being dropped off at school. The abductors, said to be masked men who arrived in a vehicle without a number plate, forcefully took the young girl as she alighted from the car conveying her to her private secondary school.

Witnesses reported that the attackers fired gunshots into the air and at the tyres of the vehicle before whisking the victim away from the driver near the junction leading to her school.

According to a message from the family announcing her release, the girl returned safely.

“In thanksgiving to God, we announce the safe release of Munachi Umenyi. God be praised. Thanks to you all for your prayers, support and encouragement. Remain blessed,” the message read.

Sources familiar with the development indicated that a ransom was paid to secure her freedom, although the amount involved was not disclosed.

The spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, CSP Ayanlade Olayinka, said the command had yet to receive official information about the girl’s release but confirmed that progress had been made in the ongoing investigation.

The police had earlier appealed to members of the public to remain calm and provide useful information that could assist in tracking down the perpetrators, assuring that such information would be treated with strict confidentiality.