By DADA AYOKHAI
The kidnapped wife of late Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hajia Hassan’s Garuba was Monday released by her captors after an undisclosed sum was paid as ransom.
The joy of the family, friends and entire Auchi kingdom knew no bounds as the news of her released hit the ancient town amidst mourning. The demise of the late Speaker had gripped Auchi and, by extension, the entire Etsako West LGA and Edo state.
Hajia Garuba was freed along with her driver by her captors and handed over to the care of those who negotiated the ransom money at Okpella, a border town between Edo and Kogi.The exact amount paid for her release is still shrouded in secrecy.
Tired and speechlessover her ordeal, Hajia Garuba, sandwiched among friends and family members, could only manage to wave to visitors and well wishers in appreciation for their solidarity and prayers
Speaking on behalf of the Garuba family, Mr Kadiri Garuba, the younger sibling of the late politician, expressed profound gratitude to the state governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki and several others who shared in the family’s pain and agony, stating the worst is over and the only way forward is to forge on as a unit.
Recall Hajia Garuba was kidnapped three days ago along the notorious Okene- Abuja highway. She was part of an advance party despatched to await the arrival of the corpse of her late husband.
