Gunmen Free Eight Scripture Union Officers After 21 Days

Eight national officers of the Scripture Union (SU) abducted in Imo State have regained their freedom after spending 21 days in captivity.

NEWSNGR reports that the victims were kidnapped on June 14 along the Orlu-Mgbidi Road while returning from a Scripture Union national conference held at the Camp of Faith in Okigwe, Imo State.

They were travelling from Okigwe to Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, when the gunmen struck.

The victims included three adult females and five males. The female victims were Oluwatomisin Abolarin, Ebenezer Ige and Ola Ige, while the male victims were Ernest Onyenagbagha, Elijah Chukwudi, Cosmas Udoh, Olumide Ayemobola and the driver, Adekunle Jegede.

The National Chairman of the Scripture Union, Willy Onu, announced their release in a statement on Tuesday.

Onu said, “To the glory of God, our brethren were released on Sunday, 5 July 2026 and are safe and healthy.

“With hearts full of immense relief and profound gratitude to Almighty God, we write to express our deepest appreciation for your unwavering support during the harrowing time our brethren were held captive.”

Onu thanked members of the union for their faith, prayers and financial support during the ordeal.

He stated, “Their release is a testament to the power of collective prayer, resilience, and the sacrifices made by every member of the union at all levels.”

It was not immediately clear whether ransom was paid to secure their release, as the Scripture Union chairman did not comment on the matter.