by Moyo Salvador

The abductors of the five kidnapped workers of dredging companies, Beks Kimse Nigeria Limited and M. Sidom, have released their captives.

The workers regained their freedom today after the kidnappers set them free at Nembe area of Bayelsa State. They were abducted by gunmen along the creek of Opuama in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state by the assailants who operated on a speedboat.

According to reports, the victims were working for the companies engaged by the Niger Delta Development Commission to carry out shore protection and reclamation work at the erosion-ravaged riverside of Opuama when they were whisked away.

Three of them were identified as Inoku Godwin, Sam Ede and Jackson Ibani. The bandits later demanded N6million ransom for each of the victims amounting to N30million.

A source close to one of the firms, said the workers were rescued after series of negotiations and payment of ransom. He said the freed workers had returned to Port Harcourt in Rivers State.

When contacted the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Alex Akhigbe, confirmed the development.