Abuja Chief Peter David Released After Month-Long Abduction, Children Still in Captivity

The Sarkin Fili of Mpape community in Abuja, Peter David, has been freed by his captors, approximately a month after he was kidnapped.

City & Crime had previously reported the harrowing incident where the chief, along with his wife, three children, and four other residents, fell victim to gunmen dressed in military uniforms on November 22.

The release occurred in the early hours of Tuesday after a ransom of N11 million was paid. Subsequently, the chief received medical attention at an Abuja hospital, as revealed in an interview with Daily Trust reporter yesterday.

Regrettably, the joy of his release is marred by the fact that his three children remain in captivity. The abductors are reportedly demanding an additional N40 million for their release. The chief’s wife, released three weeks ago, is currently hospitalized, having collapsed due to threats made by the kidnappers.

“I learnt that she slumped after she was threatened by the bandits over the phone that I would be executed for failing to deliver a deposit of the ransom on time,” the chief shared.

During his captivity, the chief described encounters with various bandit groups, led by individuals believed to have migrated from Zamfara State. These groups brought in additional victims from Dei-Dei community and the Arab Road area of Kubwa town in the FCT.

“They used to dress in military, police, or DSS attire that you all know. The only area where they differ is, the bandits owned more sophisticated weapons,” the chief explained, expressing his uncertainty about raising the balance for his children’s ransom.

A resident, choosing to remain anonymous, disclosed that the bandits received mobile phone recharge cards worth N500,000 and engine oil valued at N250,000 for servicing their weapons.

As of this report, there has been no official statement from the FCT command regarding the chief’s release, leaving questions about the ongoing security situation in the region.