The Sun News On-line

The 16-year-old son of Chief Asara A. Asara, Commissioner for Duties for Special, Bayelsa State, Inierunanam Asara, kidnapped seven months ago, has regained freedom after his parents refused to pay a ransom of N27 million demanded by the kidnappers.

Inierunanam, a student of Igbinedion Education Centre, left home for school on September 28, 2007, but was kidnapped by unknown gunmen, who called his mother, Mrs. Damini Asara and demanded N27 million for the release of the boy.

Mrs Asara narrated her story: "I did not believe them (abductors) when they called, because my son had left for school in Edo State a week earlier, but I still insisted they gave me a description of the boy they were holding. They allowed me to talk to him on phone. However, I lost contact with the abductors for seven months and I feared he was dead, but did not stop believing and praying for his safety."

According to reports, the abductors, sensing that Chief Asara was not ready to play ball, as he was said to have categorically stated that he would not pay any ransom, decided to release the boy.
She continued the story: "Sometimes early April, during one of the night vigils I attended, I got a call at about 11 pm from the abductors who said I should come and pick my son at an unknown destination in Delta State. It was at this point I contacted the Niger Delta Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee, who assured me that they would do everything to get my son back alive."

Daily Sun learnt that the boy was released to the committee half conscious and was immediately given medical attention.
The Chairman of the committee in Bayelsa State, Chief James Jephthan explained that the kidnap of Inierunanam was a source of embarrassment to the state government.

He commended the Peace Advocates, a division of the committee, for its assistance in enduring that the boy was released. He regretted that it is unfortunate that there have been pockets of criminal activities targeted against political leaders and their families in recent times, but gave assurance that the committee would not relent in its task of securing enduring peace in the state.
Mr. Clifford Adenbo, who handed Inierunanam to the family, confirmed that he has been checked and found to be in good health.