UBEC Chairman, daughter freed by kidnappers

There are indications that the Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr Mohammed Abubakar and his daughter who were abducted by kidnappers on Abuja – Kaduna Highway have been freed by their abductors.
A message from one of his friends, another Chairman of a federal government education parastatal states: “We wish to inform everyone that our Dr Mahmoud and his daughter have been released. We thank everyone that has helped and prayed for their successful return. They are in good spirit. May God reward all”.
Nigeria Everyday does not have his permission so cannot state his name because of the sensitivity of the issue.
A Police statement on Monday had narrated how a driver was shot dead and the Chairman of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Mohammed Abubakar, and his daughter were abducted on Kaduna – Abuja road.
Despite Police efforts leading to the arrest of a person it described as a spiritual godfather, 17 others, and the recovery of firearms and ammunition, the latest attack, it was gathered, may force many to opt for the railway option, a popular mode of transportation among top government officials, including security and military officers, on the dreaded road
A Police statement by its Kaduna Command spokesman, DSP Yakubu Abubakar Sabo reads: “Today 29/04/19 we received information through DPO Katari that at about 1530hrs (3:30p.m.), he got a distress call that Armed Men in military uniform intercepted a Land Cruiser Jeep with Reg. No 07E o4 FG and Toyota Sienna with Reg. No SLJ 465 TN at Kurmin Kare Village along Kaduna – Abuja Express Way, opened fire on the vehicles in the process the driver of the jeep was shot dead while the occupants; Dr. Muhammad Abubakar who is the chairman of Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and his daughter were kidnapped.
“The occupants of the sienna; one Alowonle Olalere and Onuka Victor both of Ibadan Oyo State were injured and rescued to Katari Police Station. They were said to be returning from Kano where they went to shoot a film titled ‘The Last Step’.
“Combined Teams of PMF Men, Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Command, Special Forces and Operations Yaki were quickly mobilized to the area with a view to combing the bush for possible rescue of the victims and arresting the criminals. IGP’S IRT was also contacted for technical support in tracking the hoodlums. At the moment, the two vehicles were recovered to station.
“The Commissioner of Police CP Ahmad Abdur-Rahman appeals to members of the public to support the Police with relevant information that could assist in apprehending the perpetrators of this heinous act.
“He said the Command will not be deterred in its efforts to bring crime to the barest minimum in the State. CP Ahmad said the hoodlums are only testing our collective will and we cannot relent. Update follows in due course please.”