A former Senator who represented Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Nelson Effiong, has been released after spending 46 days in captivity.
Effiong was said to have been abducted by unknown gunmen at a bar in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital on September 5 and driven out in a Toyota Camry car.
Antai Effiong, a lawyer and younger brother to the former senator, confirmed to Straightnews, Friday, October 29 that he had been set free by his abductors.
“The former senator has been released,” he said on telephone.
Two days ago, Antai had told Premium Times that his brother was yet to be released.
Though Straightnews could not confirm if his family had paid ransom, his abductors had initially demanded N200 million before his release.
The former senator represented Akwa Ibom South District from 2015 to 2019. Before then, he served as the Speaker of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom has expressed excitement over the release from kidnappers’ den the former Senator.
In a press release signed by the publicity Secretary of the APC in Akwa Ibom, Mr. Nkereuwem Enyongekere at the weekend, the party announced that the former Senator had been released.
The release reads in part: “The All Progressives Congress Akwa Ibom State Chapter wishes to intimate the APC family and the general public of the release of Sen Nelson Effiong who was kidnapped on Sunday evening of September 05, 2021.
“The Senator regained his freedom just yesterday (Friday, October 29, 2021) from the enclave and grip of the men of the underworld.
“It is our deepest concern as a party to register our sincere gratitude to God Almighty and all who contributed in one way or the other to facilitate his release and return to his family and party.
”We humbly pray to God to accord you all the commensurable blessings you deserve for identifying with us throughout the period of the predicament. We say a big thank you to all.”
