Traditional ruler of Uruagu-Nnewi in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Igwe Obi Afam Obi, said he was properly fed by his abductors during his 5-day incarceration in their den.
Obi who was kidnapped on February 12, 2021, said the decision to feed him well was to ensure he did not die which would be counterproductive.
Narrating his ordeal in the hands of his abductors to newsmen on Friday in his Uruagu palace, the monarch said he personally negotiated his ransom, with the help of his family members and some of his subjects.
He said, “Throughout my stay in my abductors’ den, they fed me well, and ensured that I did not lack food and water because they believed that my life was necessary for the success of the mission.
“Between Monday and Tuesday, being 15th and 16th of February, 2021, I personally negotiated my ransom, with the help of my family and some of my subjects. The ransom was paid as well.
“That same evening, they led me out of their den, into another Camry car. We took off and drove till the next morning, and, around 6am, on Wednesday, February 17th, they stopped at Abagana market in Njikoka LGA of the state, and directed me to step down from the car. They handed my phone to me and drove off.
“Standing there, I called my brother, who came there and picked me, and we drove to my palace in Nnewi.”
While recanting how the kidnappers posed as his police escorts as they journeyed to their den, the royal father expressed gratitude to his family members and the good people of Nnewi, who he said were instrumental to facilitating his release.