Ataga Family
Ataga Family
Photo credit: Facebook
The children of a Kaduna-based medical doctor, Philip Ataga who were abducted in January have been released by their abductors.
They were released around 7:00 p.m. on Thursday night.
The two children who were identified as Christabel and Jasmine were abducted alongside their mother, Bola Ataga from their residence at Juji area of Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State on January 25.
The kidnappers had demanded N150 million ransom for their release but killed their mother.
Confirming the eventual release of the children in a Facebook message, a journalist and reporter with Daily Trust Newspaper, Sunday Ogwu who is familiar with the story said:
“To the glory of God, I have the honour and privilege to announce the release of Christabel and Jasmine Ataga from captivity. They were taken hostage on the 24th of January, 2020, along with their mother who was brutally murdered last week”.
“Their release was secured after the payment of ransom to the bandit by Dr Philip Ataga”.
“I wish to on behalf of the family thank everyone: the churches, prayer houses, the Nigerian Police, the Nigerian Medical Association, family members, friends and well wishers, whose physical, emotional and psychological support were put at the disposition of the family in what has been two weeks of a very traumatic experience”.
“As we celebrate the recovery of our kids, let us continue to spare our thoughts and prayers for the family as we mourn the death of our Mother, sister and wife”.
When contacted by Political Economist magazine, Sunday confirmed that the children are currently in a hospital, but said the family do not want the hospital disclosed.
