By Society Assistant Editor
Ninolowo Gbamboye
Relief and celebration filled the air on Monday as a young Nigerian lawyer, Peace Onyesom Udoka, and her sister, Gift Onyesom, walked free after several days in the hands of kidnappers.
The two sisters, who had attended the September 23 call-to-bar ceremony in Abuja, were travelling back to Benin when gunmen intercepted their vehicle along the Okene–Auchi highway on September 26. The abduction sparked nationwide concern and calls for urgent action to tackle insecurity on major routes.
Family members said the abductors initially demanded ₦40 million for their release. However, on September 30—coincidentally Peace’s birthday—their freedom was finally secured.
Human rights advocate Harrison Gwamnishu, who helped coordinate efforts for their release, confirmed that the sisters were handed over to authorities near Okpella, Edo State. He described the ordeal as “a tough journey” but expressed gratitude that both victims were alive and safe.
The emotional reunion has since gone viral on social media, with colleagues in the legal profession sending messages of solidarity to the family.
