By Mustapha Hodio
The two German archaeologists kidnapped at an excavation site in Kaduna State have been released.
Peter Breunig, a professor, and his colleague, Johannes Buringer, were kidnapped on Wednesday in Jenjela village of Kagargo Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Police spokesman in Kaduna State, Aliyu Usman, confirmed the release of the Germans on Saturday night, saying they were already reunited with “officials of their country”.
Mr Usman, an assistant superintendent of police, however denied knowledge of payment of ransom.
But credible sources told DAILY NIGERIAN that the kidnappers made contact with the German Embassy in Nigeria and negotiated the ransom.
“The German embassy officials negotiated the payment of ransom before they were freed last night,” said a source who craved anonymity.
“I cannot exactly tell you how much was paid. All I can say is that they (kidnappers) initially demanded N60million, but huge amount of ransom was paid.
The Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, launched manhunt for the kidnappers on Thursday after earlier briefing the acting president, Yemi Osinbajo, on the issue.
