A protest scheduled for Monday July 9, 2018 has been called off by Imo entertainers as news broke out late Sunday evening that Ugo Stevenson and Izunna Obiakor (Twinstar) have been freed by their abductors.
The artistes who no longer find need for the scheduled protest, earlier called on the police to put an end to the increasing spate of kidnapping in Imo state after a popular philanthropist Paulcy Iwuala, was kidnapped and freed after a N7m ransom was paid to his abductors.
Ugo Stevenson and Izunna Obiakor were kidnapped in Owerri and were held hostage for five days before regaining their freedom on Sunday, June 8, 2018.
The duo were kidnapped the same time on Wednesday July 4, around World Bank area of Owerri, Imo State by some gunmen who accosted them. Their abductors shot indiscriminately into the air before taking them to an unknown destination.
Ugo Stevenson won the 2008 edition of the Highlife Artiste of the Year at the Nigeria Music Awards and aside being an artistes, he is a writer, and public speaker and commentator.
Izunna Obiakor popularly known as Twinstar is Lighting Engineer and CEO of Twinstar Lightening and Stage House. He also a budding actor, having featured in some Nollywood movies.
In a phone interview with Chidiebube Okeoma of Punch Newspaper, Ugo Stevenson described the experience as horrible and something he cannot wish for his worst enemy.
Stevenson said, “Our experience was horrible. I can’t wish it for my worst enemy. They were mean. We were blindfolded for the five days we stayed with them.
“I deliberately refused to accept any food from them. I survived on water only for the five days”
“They were real kidnappers. While they held us in their den, they were bringing in other victims”
He said that one million naira was paid for their freedom. He added that the 2007 Highlander that belongs to the other kidnap victim, Izunna, was not released to them.
He said, “They made sure that they collected everything on us, including our voter cards, identity cards, phones and other valuables.”
