Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke’s Kidnapped Sister Regains Freedom, Police Say

Rivers state Police Command has confirmed that Osiya Agama, sister of the Minister of Petroleum, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, who was kidnapped nine days ago, finally regained her freedom from her abductors on Wednesday evening.

In a statement by Rivers state Police Command Spokesman, Ahmad Muhammad, he said the rescue was due to the combined efforts of the Police, Army and Department of State Security.

Though the amount paid for her freedom was not made public, but Agama was kidnapped by armed men while on her way home from a church service in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital.

Also corroborating the release of the highly priced woman because of her relationship with Diezeni-Allison Madueke, the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), also in a press statement issued in Port Harcourt, said its members in the Eastern Zone helped with information that facilitated the rescue operation.

The IYC also charged government at all levels to make job creation a priority to reduce criminal activities across the country.

The statement, signed by the spokesman of the IYC, Eric Omare, also revealed that Madam Agama was released in Asari-Toru council area of Rivers State in the late hours of Wednesday, following the combined efforts of security agents and members of the IYC, Eastern zone.

The statement said current and incoming governments would be able to sufficiently curb all forms of crimes, especially kidnapping, if they make job creation and other forms of positive engagements a priority.