Kidnappers chopped off ex-Mobil staff finger, collected N5m before releasing him after 31 days

A retired ExxonMobil staff, Dr. Idongesit Udom, who was held captive for 31 days in Kidanpper's den, has finally regained his freedom.

However, the man, who is also the Proprietor of Sure Foundation Polytechnic, Ukanafun area of Akwa Ibom State, lost one of his fingers that was chopped off for failure to pay the N70 million ransom demanded.

According to a family source, Dr. Idongesit, who was kidnapped in his village, Nneke, on April 9, was released in the early hours of Wednesday, at Aba, Abia State, after a N5m ransom was paid.

“The kidnappers were angry when N5m was paid to them. They told the family contact that the N5m was for the victim’s welfare. Maybe because they could not get more money, they decided to chop off one of his fingers.

The family is however happy that he is alive. He is currently receiving treatment in a hospital.

The kidnappers had demanded N500 million ransom from his family but later reduced it to N70 million after two weeks of negotiation. .

At a point, the kidnappers asked that Sure Foundation Polytechnic be sold to raise the ransom.

The state’s Police PRO, DSP Chukwu Ikechuwu, who confirmed Dr. Udom’s release, added that investigations were still ongoing to track down the hoodlums.