Kidnappers release 83-yr-old mother of hotelier

Mrs Theresa Akindeju, the mother of Mr Benson Akindeju, the Chief Executive Officer of Big Soul Hotel, Igbotako, Ondo State, who was kidnapped on Jan. 8, has been released.

It was gathered that the 83-year-old woman was released at about 9.00 p.m. on Tuesday and dumped on the Irele-Okitpupa road in Okitipupa Local Goverrnement Area of the state.

The victim told newsmen at her Igbotako home that the kidnappers took good care of her for the seven days she was in their custody.

She said that it was God that rescued her, adding that she kept praying that the kidnappers would release her alive.

“I was afraid when they kidnapped me, but I was fervent in prayers until they released me. I thank God they did not hurt me,’’ she said.

Also speaking, Mr Akindeju said the kidnappers abducted his mother because they thought he was wealthy.

Akindeju, a former Marketing Manager of Wale Adenuga Production, the production firm of the popular comedy series, ``Papa Ajasco and Company, ’’ said the kidnappers released his mother without any ransom.

“The kidnappers came for my mother due to wrong information that I am a politician and that I have embezzled money. I have never worked for government, I have been doing private business for over 30 years now. Although, the incident destabilised me and my business, I thank God that they released my mother safe and sound without any ransom. I appeal to the government to provide jobs for youths, because it is idleness that is making many of them venture into such businesses,’’ Akindeju said. (NAN)