Elder statesman and former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Dr. Shettima Ali Monguno who was kidnapped by some gunmen last Friday has been released by his captors, in Kirenuwa, a village, only 145 kilometres from Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.
When our correspondent visited the residence of the elder statesman, Governor Kashim Shettima, friends, family members, and well wishers were seen sympathizing with the 92 year old educationist and philanthropist.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after visiting Dr. Shettima Ali Monguno, Governor Kashim Shettima thanked Almighty Allah, journalist and security agencies for their role in securing the release of the elder statesman.
“I am overwhelmed by the release of our father, Dr. Shettima Ali Monguno and he is in good health. His release was as a result of persistent appeal to his captors by spirited individuals, Borno people and the Borno state government. The 92 year old educationist has spent all his life serving the country and humanity and he does not deserve the inhuman treatment he went through. However, God has answered our prayers, as he has regained his freedom”.
He thanked members of the pen profession for the sense of maturity they displayed during the trying moment and that journalists have managed the issue with all maturity. He called on all journalists to continue in that direction.
He appealed to members of the Boko Haram sects to lay down their arms in the best interst of the people, as no meaningful development can be achieve without peace, adding that “our diversity and differences should be our uniting factor”, calling on everybody to be their brothers keeper.
He stated that Dr. Monguno was released in Kirenuwa, a village that is 145 kilometres away from Maiduguri and that his release was as a result of the several appeals by his family, friends, general public and the government. He confirmed that he was released without payment of ransom.
It could be recalled that the eleder stateman was kidnapped on Firday while coming out from Jumat mosque by some gunmen suspected to be members of Boko Haram sects at Mafoni ward of Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.
Meanwhile, In a short speech to the large crowd of sympathizers that gathered to welcome him, Monguno urged them not to cry. In a solemn voice, he said “They did not kill me, so don’t cry”.
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