12 hours ago
3
Mr Tartenger Terdue James, who was abducted days before his traditional marriage, has regained his freedom after his family paid a ransom to his captors in Benue State.
James was kidnapped last Tuesday while travelling to Cross River State to purchase palm oil for his traditional wedding scheduled for Saturday, December 13, 2025.
What was meant to be a joyful pre-wedding trip quickly plunged his family into fear, sleepless nights, and desperate prayers.
Relief came in the early hours of Tuesday when James reunited with his family at about 4:00 a.m.
He reportedly told relatives that his abductors released him around 2:00 a.m.
Family sources confirmed that the kidnappers initially demanded N3 million but released him after receiving about N1.5 million.
“We tried our best and sent part of the money they asked for. It was not complete, but they released him,” a family member said.
James was dropped off at Kone, Tse-Ken, in Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State, ending a week-long ordeal and restoring hope to a family that had stood on the edge of despair.
The Spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command,DSP, Udeme Edet could not be reached to confirm the development as of the time of filling this report as calls to her mobile telephone were not answered.
