A newlywed couple, Reverend Abiodun David and his wife, Funmilayo Bamidele, have regained their freedom after spending 21 days in captivity following their abduction by armed men along the Kwara-Kogi border.
The couple were reportedly kidnapped alongside four other people on September 26, 2026, while returning from their engagement ceremony. The incident occurred along the Iyemero-Eruku Road, around the border area between Kwara and Kogi states.
According to reports, the abductors released the newlyweds after receiving a ransom of N10 million. The couple have since reunited with their family following their release.
However, the circumstances surrounding the fate of the other abducted victims remain unclear.
A local source also disclosed that the groom’s uncle died while in captivity. The source added that his remains had yet to be released as of the time this report was filed.
The release of the couple brings an end to their three-week ordeal in the hands of their abductors, although concerns remain over the reported death of the groom’s uncle and the status of the other victims.
Kidnapping for ransom remains a major security concern in parts of Nigeria, with communities along some interstate routes facing threats from armed groups targeting travellers and residents.
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