Gunmen on Friday abducted him shortly after prayers in his mosque at Mafoni in Maiduguri.
Eyewitnesses told newsmen in Maiduguri that Monguno, the former Minister of Petroleum, was kidnapped in his car.
“The elder statesman had just entered his car after the prayers.
“Some individuals stopped him for a chat before four gun men invaded
the vehicle and ordered other occupants, at gunpoint, to move out,” a
witness, Malam Mohammed Inusa, said.
Another witness, Malam Ibrahim Shehu, corroborated Inusa’s statement,
saying the kidnappers pretended to be friends trying to greet the elder
statesman before pulling out their guns from their dresses.
“The four of them entered the car before ordering the driver to move.
“The car moved toward the Dandal Police Station before we lost sight of it,” Shehu said.
Gov. Kashim Shettima of Borno told newsmen in Maiduguri that Monguno
was released by his abductors on Monday morning in Kirenowa, in Marte
Local Government Area (LGA) of the state and that no ransom was paid for
his release
He said, “We are all elated and overwhelmed to hear of his release. I
congratulate all of us for his release, hoping that God will give him
the good health and strength to continue with his humanitarian
gestures.”
The governor said that the abductors of Monguno made contact with the
family after several appeals from Nigerians for his release.
He added that the abductors were touched by the numerous appeals and they decided to release him unconditionally.
The governor said, “They contacted his family after several appeals from Nigerians for his release.
Source: Vanguard
