News

June 11, 2009

Kidnapped Enugu UNDP coordinator released

By Tony Edike

ENUGU—THE police in Enugu confirmed yesterday, that the state programme coordinator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Mr. Uchenna Ani, who was kidnapped by unknown persons last Friday has regained his freedom.

Ani was abducted at gunpoint by suspected kidnappers from his 38 Igbariam street residence, in Achara Layout, Enugu while returning from his office and taken to an unknown place.

From their hideout, the kidnappers reportedly contacted his relations on phone and demanded a certain amount of money as ransom, a request which Vanguard learnt was turned down.

Although it could not be ascertained if the ransom was eventually paid, Ani, who served as the Managing Director of Enugu State Waste Management Authority (ESWAMA) regained his freedom after spending five days in the camp of his abductors.

The State Police Public Relations Office, Mr. Ebere Amarizu, who confirmed the release of the UNDP Coordinator, yesterday declined to give details of Ani’s ordeal in the hands of the kidnappers, but said that detectives were still on the trail of the hoodlums.