Kidnapped groom-to-be released after ransom payment in Benue

Tartenger Terdue James, who was abducted just days before his traditional wedding, has regained his freedom following the payment of a ransom by his family in Benue State.

James was kidnapped on the evening of Tuesday, December 9, while travelling to Cross River State to purchase palm oil for his traditional marriage, which was scheduled for Saturday, December 13. What was meant to be a joyful pre-wedding errand quickly turned into a week of fear, sleepless nights, and frantic prayers for his safe return.

Relief came in the early hours of Tuesday, December 17, when James was reunited with his family around 4:00 a.m. He reportedly told relatives that his captors released him at approximately 2:00 a.m.

Family sources revealed that the kidnappers initially demanded ₦3 million but agreed to release him after receiving about ₦1.5 million. “We tried our best and sent part of the money they asked for. It was not complete, but they released him,” a family member said.

James was dropped off at Kone, Tse-Ken, in Vandeikya Local Government Area, bringing an end to a week-long ordeal and restoring hope to a family that had been living in anguish.