By Brenda Chidinma Imo-Eze
The Ebonyi State Police Command has recovered a kidnapped girl named Mirabel David.
Mirabel, a Senior Secondary student at Children of Light School in Benue State, had been abducted a week ago in Abakaliki, the capital city of Ebonyi State, while she was sent to buy beans on the street.
Ebonyi State Police Commissioner, Augustina Ogbodo, shared this information during a courtesy visit by members of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Ebonyi State, through the command’s spokesperson, SP Onome Ononovwakpoyeye.
According to Commissioner Ogbodo, Mirabel was kidnapped by unknown individuals and taken to Igboekwurekwu in Abi local government area, Cross River State. Mirabel recounted her ordeal, explaining that she was approached by these individuals while she was on her way to the market.
“They waved a handkerchief at her, causing her to lose consciousness and eventually find herself in Cross River State.
“During her captivity, Mirabel was confined to a room. However, a fortunate turn of events allowed her to escape. She managed to flee, running into the bush, where she met three young men. One of them assisted her by carrying her on his bike to Abaomege, where there was a military checkpoint. The military personnel there ensured her safety and handed her over to the Higher Way Police, who subsequently brought her to the nearest police division.
“The current plan is to transfer Mirabel to the patron of the Tiv community in Ebonyi State, DSP Mchiaymu Apevershigh Rtd, who will assist in locating her parents and providing further support.
Mirabel David, speaking about her traumatic experience, revealed, “My Mum sent me to buy beans, and as I went out, about five persons accosted me, flung a handkerchief on me, and I became unconscious. They carried me in a car, and when I woke up, I saw myself in a room, locked inside.”
She continued, “On Monday morning, they all went out, but the last person that left did not lock the door. I now used the opportunity to escape. When I got to the road, I went to the Military checkpoint, and they took me to the DPO there. They called one of them who is from my place to take care of me; he now brought me to the Police Headquarters in Abakaliki.”
Mirabel also mentioned that while she was in captivity, she did not experience any sexual assault but endured physical abuse when her captors realized she could understand their language. They were speaking Hausa, and she responded when they spoke. In response, they slapped her.
Her kidnappers had initially intended to demand a ransom for her release, but one of them suggested letting her go, which was opposed by the other four.
Supol Mchiaymu Apevershigh, retired from Abaomege division, affirmed his commitment to assisting in reuniting Mirabel with her parents in Benue State. He noted that the Tiv community had been cooperative in such cases and assured that they would work to resolve this incident and report back to the authorities.