Okigwe, Imo State – Eight members of the Scripture Union (SU) who were abducted on June 14 along the Imo-Anambra interstate boundary have been released, ending 22 days in captivity.
The victims, who were returning from the organisation’s national conference in Osogbo, regained their freedom and were officially confirmed safe in the early hours of Monday, July 6, 2026.
Among those freed are Uwem Cosmas, Director-General of the Scripture Union, and Abolarin Tomisin, a 300-level Law student at the University of Ibadan.
Temidayo Adeboye, President of the Scripture Union at the University of Ibadan branch, announced the development in a statement, describing the news as a huge relief to the affected families and the wider SU community.
“The released individuals are currently undergoing the necessary post-release procedures and will return to their respective destinations as arrangements are concluded,” Adeboye said. “We have been assured that our student will safely return to the University community soon.”
A video obtained by Peoples Gazette on Monday showed the freed hostages joined by other congregants in prayers and songs of praise, celebrating their safe return. The abduction had occurred while the group was travelling through the Okigwe axis, a route that has become increasingly notorious for kidnappings in recent years.
The spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, Henry Okoye, did not respond immediately to requests for comment on the rescue operation or the circumstances surrounding the release.University of Ibadan spokesperson Adejoke Akinpelu and the SU Osogbo regional chairman, Pat Adekuoroye, were also contacted for further comments.
The freed delegates are expected to reunite with their families and institutions in the coming days.
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