The Delta State command of the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that Joan Onyemaechi, a former member of the House of Representatives, has successfully escaped from the clutches of her kidnappers.
The Police Command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, in a statement on Saturday, said the former legislator was freed on Friday night.
However, the police image maker did not disclose whether a ransom was paid for her release, indicating that further details would be provided later.
Onyemaechi has previously served as a member of the House of Representatives, as well as a member of the Delta State House of Assembly, and was the most recent Commissioner for Technical Education in the state.
She was reportedly kidnapped by armed assailants on July 30 while at her church along DBS Road in Asaba, the capital of Delta State.
Two officers of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the former lawmaker, and her driver were reportedly killed in the violent incident in Asaba, the capital of Delta State.
It was gathered that the gunmen opened fire on the security officials upon arriving at the worship centre and immediately whisked away Onyemaechi and her children into an unknown location.
The PUNCH quoted local sources to have confirmed that a bullet accidentally hit an innocent bystander, who died immediately.
“The gunmen stormed the church and immediately shot at the police orderlies and the driver. They then drove the lawmaker away in her SUV, firing indiscriminately in the street. Unfortunately, a stray bullet hit a young man, who died on the spot,” a source reportedly said.
However, the police command noted that only one person was killed in the tragic incident.