Kidnapped Cross River NLC chairman regains freedom

NLC protest fuel price hike in Abuja (3)

Police in Cross River have confirmed the release of the chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Cross River chapter, Ben Ukpepi.

Mr Ukpepi, who was released on Sunday night after being in captivity for six days, was kidnapped in his residence in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River, near Calabar.

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Cross River Police spokesperson, Irene Ugbo, confirmed the release on Monday.

Ugo told NAN that Ukpepi was released by a combined team of security agencies in the state.

According to her, the NLC chairman was currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Calabar.

The spokesperson did not disclose if any ransom was paid for his release but added that he was released unhurt.

“As we speak, the chairman of NLC was released last night. He is currently receiving medication in a hospital in Calabar,” she said.

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Permanent Secretary on Security in the Governor’s Office, Alfred Mboto, also confirmed that the NLC leader was released unhurt.

The State Security Adviser for Southern Cross River, Ani Esin, said that Ukpepi was released by the efforts of government and security agencies in the state.