Kidnappers release expectant mother in Benin

An expectant mother in Benin City, capital of Edo State, Omosigho Osawe, almost gave birth to her baby in the most unusual place, a kidnappers’ den, over the weekend. Mrs Osawe, who was attacked and abducted by unknown gunmen suspected to be kidnappers and was kept for three days by her captors, allegedly went into labour while in their custody. The mother of one, who was said to have already passed her estimated date of delivery, was abducted on her way from a wedding ceremony last Saturday a few meters away from the Etete police station, off Country Home, at about 7pm. It was gathered that the victim, who was driving home in her private car, was believed to have been trailed by her abductors with a motorcycle and two other vehicles from the venue of the wedding ceremony. Family sources disclosed to journalists that three days after she was abducted, Mrs Osawe went into sudden labour, which prompted the kidnappers to hurriedly reach an agreement with her relations, who paid an undisclosed sum of money for her ransom, after which she was allegedly dumped somewhere in a bush along Sapele Road, over 7 kilometres away from her home. In an interview, husband of the kidnapped victim, Osagie Osawe, a businessman, said that rather than waiting for the security agencies to rescue his wife, the family had to consider paying the ransom money demanded by the kidnappers, when they informed him that the life of his wife was hanging in the balance, having gone into labour. He further disclosed that his wife’s car has since been recovered by the police, but that her cell phone which she allegedly abandoned in the car was yet to be found. He was however silent when asked if his wife has been delivered of her baby. “I see kidnapping as a dangerous trend that should be addressed by the security agencies. Security Agencies are sleeping in this country. I think the government has to look into the way out of this security challenge,” Mr Osawe said. Omosigho Osawe was abducted on her way from a wedding ceremony on Saturday at about 7pm