The three family members who were abducted by gunmen over the weekend while transporting the remains of their late brother, Israel Ugwuanyi, who passed away in Lagos State, have been released.

SaharaReporters had reported on Monday that some hoodlums had reportedly seized a corpse and kidnapped members of a family conveying the remains of the deceased man to his country home in Ameze Owerre, Umabor community in the Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu.

However, briefing newsmen on Tuesday, the state police commissioner, Kanayo Uzuegbu announced that the corpse of the deceased Israel Ugwuanyi had been deposited in a mortuary and would be buried when the family decided.

He dismissed that there was nothing like kidnapping, while alluding that the alleged kidnap was a “family squabble”.

But speaking with SaharaReporters, the family debunked the statement credited to the state police commissioner.

However, after an undisclosed ransom was paid to the kidnappers, the three family members were released on Thursday afternoon, according a family source.

It was gathered that the person who delivered the ransom on Wednesday was equally held hostage and was released together with three earlier abducted.

“Praise God the most High, for His mercy endures forever!

“There is a massive celebration and rejoicing that is currently happening around Umabor.

“The 3 kidnapped victims have been released and are currently in Ameze Owerre with the family of the deceased. May God in heaven be praised. And may those that contributed in one way or the other to foster their release be forever remembered for mercy. Umu Umabor unu emeee nooo.” a family source sent to SaharaReporters.

Meanwhile, Collins Ugwuanyi, elder brother of the victims, confirmed their release.

He said, “Our brothers were released this afternoon after four days in kidnappers captivity. We give God all the glory.”