DPO regains freedom after over three months in captivity

Sani Gyadi-Gyadi, divisional police officer (DPO) of Birnin Gwari division in Kaduna, has been freed after spending over three months in captivity.

He was abducted in June along the Birnin Gwari road on his way to resume duties in Birnin Gwari, following his transfer to the area.

The police officer was said to have been released following payment of additional ransom.

Friends and relatives of the officer were said to have, in September, contributed N7 million ransom for the bandits.

However, the bandits reportedly demanded more money and motorcycles, while the person who went to deliver the ransom was also abducted.

In September, Gyadi-Gyadi’s family had appealed to the federal government to help secure his release from captivity.

“The officer told me that all the rain this year is falling on him, and he is sick and has a blood clot,” one of his relatives had said.

Mohammad Jalige, spokesman of the Kaduna police command, is yet to confirm the release of the DPO.

“I am currently not on seat. Let me make a call and get back to you,” Jalige had said when contacted.

However, a police officer, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, confirmed the release of the DPO, adding that he was freed after the payment of additional ransom.

The officer also said the DPO was taken to the hospital following his “deteriorating health condition”.