By Ahmed Ajikobi
More facts emerged at the weekend on how the 71-year-old mother of 2015 gubernatorial candidate in Kwara State, Mike Omotosho regained her freedom from the kidnappers’ den.
When National Pilot visited the residence of the Omotosho’s in Ilorin, to rejoice with them on Saturday, friends and members of the family were noticed singing the praises of God for the release of the matriarch.
Sitting on the couch, in the living room, is the 71-year-old victim, Mrs Elizabeth Omotosho who looked hale and hearty while responding to greetings of those that thronged her residence.
Speaking with our reporter, on how her mother was released, Titilayo Omotosho said, “It was around 7:30pm when she was released from the kidnappers’ den willingly. She was blindfolded and taken to a place she could not recognise.
“After her release, mama was told a motorcyclist will meet her at the spot to take her home. While sitting at the spot, the motorcyclist arrived and dropped her at the entrance of the house before speeding off.”
Titilayo added that mama’s arrival coincided with a time the family was praying for her release at the residence.
“She got home around 9pm, while we were praying because since she was abducted, we have been observing prayers. One of my brothers in the compound noticed that a motorcycle stopped at the gate to drop someone.
“We then heard a knock on the gate and my brother went there to check. On getting to the gate, we heard the voice of mummy and everyone rushed out,” she divulged.
Speaking further, Titilayo, lamented that it was heartbreaking not having her mother around for six days.
“There were so many times I felt lonely but thank God for the prayers. We do three section of prayers daily.
“Mum told us how she was kept in a dark room like a prisoner. The abductors however did not torture, poison or inject her.”
On whether the Septuagenarian was traumatised, she said, “She was not because she prayed all through and did not eat but drank only water for six days,” adding that the old woman said she could not recognise any of the suspects as she was left in a dark room throughout her ordeal.
Speaking in a telephone interview with the son of the victim, Mike Omotosho, who is the National Chairman of Labour Party, he told our reporter that the family did not pay any ransom for the release even as he declined further comment on the incident.
“I am happy that mama is back and we did not pay any ransom for her release,” he said.
Given a detailed account of Madam Omotosho’s release, the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ado Lawan said he personally led a team of detectives with support from the Inspector General of Police, Idris Abubakar in order to rescue the victim unhurt.
Lawan, who made the disclosure in a statement issued and signed by the Public Relations Officer, DSP Ajayi Okasanmi, yesterday, stated that, the abductors were circled in and around Tanke area, Ilorin through the use of modern technology.
“We monitored their calls with the help of advance tracking equipment put to use by the detectives, which also made it difficult for the abductors to either demand or receive any ransom.
“The pressure was so much on the abductors and they figured that, their waterloo was handy, hence they were left with no choice than to let the abducted woman off without any ransom and unharmed, last Friday.”
The state police boss however assured members of the public of their safety while advising criminals to either repent or vacate Kwara State, else they will be arrested and dealt with in the accordance with the law.
Earlier in the press statement issued and signed by Omotosho, the family appreciated security agents, the media and friends for the effective and timely calls and prayers.
He stated further that, ” My mum is well and was not harmed in anyway, for that we are eternally grateful.”
