By Emeka Ejere
The lawmaker representing Kogi West district, Senator Dino Melaye, who was reportedly abducted, says he has regained his freedom.
Senator Melaye shared his experience via Twitter on Friday, about 24 hours after he was reportedly abducted by gunmen in Gwagwalada, a suburb of Abuja.
“I thank God once again for escaping another dangerous attack. I also thank Nigerians for their prayers and show of Love. Spent 11 hours in the wilderness traumatized but God preserved me. God is the best and in whom ONLY I trust. They will continue to try. WE SHALL OVERCOME!!!,” Melaye twitted.
Senator Ben Murray-Bruce (Bayelsa East) broke the news of Senator Melaye’s abduction on Twitter on Thursday morning.
Senator Murray-Bruce said he got the information from Melaye’s brother who said the lawmaker was kidnapped after the gunmen attacked them on their way to Kogi State.
Later on Thursday, Senator Melaye failed to appear at the Magistrate Court in Lokoja for the continuation of his trial over an alleged gunrunning with his lawyer attributing his absence to the attack.
“I learned he was attacked yesterday in Gwagwalada on his way home from the (FCT High) court,” the lawyer said.
“Up till now, I have not been able to reach him. I don’t know where he is at the moment.” On Thursday night, the police said they have yet to receive any complaint about the abduction of the lawmaker.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Mr Jimoh Moshood, however, said in a statement that the police had begun an investigation into the incident.
He also advised the relatives and associates of the senator to come forward with information that can help the police in their investigation.