Pete Edochie freed… Nollywood rejoices
By AZUH AMATUS, Lagos, PETRUS OBI, Enugu, and GEOFFREY ANYANWU
Wednesday, August 19, 2009


Pete Edochie
•Photo: Sun News Publishing 
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Veteran actor, Chief Pete Edochie who was kidnapped on Sunday at Onitsha in Anambra State has regained his freedom.
Daily Sun gathered that Edochie was released on Monday evening by his kidnappers at about 8.p.m, within the Awkuzu axis of the state, and was immediately driven straight to the Government House, Awka, to the warm embrace of the governor, his family members and other top government officials.
Confirming the good news, Barrister Iyke Ezenagu, the Anambra State chapter chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), who played an active role in Edochie’s release, insisted no ransom was paid to the kidnappers.

He however, maintained that the joint efforts of the state government, police, AGN, Edochie’s family and the fact that Edochie is a popular actor in Nigeria, all contributed to his quick release and non-payment of ransom to the kidnappers. “ We are all happy that Chief Pete Edochie has finally regained his freedom. In fact, my happiness knows no bound. We also want to immensely thank all those that supported us in ensuring that Chief regained his freedom this soon without any harm. What this means is that Anambra is still safe for movie people or anybody to come and do business or live in. We thank God for everything.”

Also reacting, Mr. Ejike Asiegbu, the national president of AGN, said Edochie’s freedom was the triumph of good and popularity over evil. He further warned kidnappers to henceforth, desist from kidnapping or terrorizing Nigerian actors and entertainers.
Edochie who was celebrating with friends and well wishers told Daily Sun at his Independence Layout residence in Enugu yesterday that he was grateful to God for making him experience the abduction first hand.

Unlike most other kidnap victims who paid heavy ransom to secure their freedom, Pete Edochie said he paid no dime and did not lose anything, not even his mobile phone set.
He said he did not know where he was taken to or even the point he was dropped. “All I know is that I was able to pick a cab that took me to a hotel in Awka.”

“I was very happy that God allowed me to experience this first hand. They told me they had no business kidnapping me at all. First of all they did not touch me, they did not blindfold me. They did not gag me. They did not hack me they did not tie me, and they said I am their father.

“And somehow, that they have managed to hear a lot about me that I am very good to people. That I assist people particularly the downtrodden; That they know all that and you so would not hurt me. I mean they didn’t tie their faces. Nothing. They were discussing with me.

“They bought me some drinks, made sure I did not get alcoholically dry. You know as an individual, if you find yourself in a situation like that under siege, you complicate your situation if you experience internal alcoholic drought. So, by the grace of God they were lubricating my system for me and at the same time encouraging me to feel the pulse of their heartbeat.

“If the government can put in place a machinery to guarantee that the youngsters who are unemployed and the young girls who are unanchored are entitled to what in America is regarded as social as security and in Britain is called the dough; but at least at the end of each week they will have something in their pocket. There are things that are fundamental to survival of every individual.”

Recalleing how he was abducted at gunpoint on Sunday, the popular actor said: “We were coming from Onitsha Ukwu, you know my primary assignment now is taking the film of Rev. Father Tansi round the Catholic churches in the country. When we got to Nkpor junction, around Obosi or so, a bus just came double crossed us and asked all of us to come down and get into the bus. We did. And that was where the captivity started. The young men who are my assistants were all released and they held me.

“But I think they wanted me to see what they experience and they treated me with a lot of respect, a lot of reverence. They loved me a lot and they said as far as I am concerned I am their father. That they are not happy doing what they are doing but that they are compelled by circumstances to do that. They believe that the ostentatious life of politicians has inflicted a lot of harshness on their own circumstance as individuals and they think it’s about time they too get their own slice of the national cake. It’s unfortunate that they have to do it the way they are doing it but that they don’t have options.”

“Our prayer is that this ugly event should not happen in Nollywood again. These kidnappers should leave us alone. Are they not happy that we are the ones still entertaining and making Nigerians happy in the face of the numerous national challenges confronting us daily as a nation? On behalf of AGN, we want to thank God and all those that assisted us in securing the release of our great actor and veteran of veterans, Chief Pete Edochie.

God bless all of us. And to Pete, we say a very big welcome.”
While reacting, the Managing Director of O’Jez, the popular Nollywood centre, which had also hosted Edochie in the past, Mr. Anayo Odobeatu, called on the State and Federal governments to immediately address the worrisome security situation, in Anambra State. He also congratulated Edochie and further advised him to take a well-deserved rest.

The kidnappers had earlier demanded a ransom of N50 Million which was later negotiated down to N10 Million as at Monday morning.
Confirming Edochie’s release, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Uzor Amakulor said that Edochie was released at Aguata, while the kidnap actually took place around Afor Nkpor, near Onitsha commercial city.

He further said that the hoodlums had to take to their heels when they got wind of the presence of men and officers of the command
However, the command has commenced man hunt for the suspected kidnappers which according to Amakulor, was already yielding positive results.
The police commissioner also said signals had been sent across the neighbouring states to Anambra while the respective state police commands were on the trail of the hoodlums.
Amakulor assured residents of the state to go about their lawful duties without any fear as the command had taken proactive measures at stemming incidents of violent crime in the state.


,
Why I was kidnapped - Pete Edochie
By Our Correspondent - 19.08.2009

ACE Nollywood actor, Pete Edochie, on Tuesday, said that his kidnappers told him that he was seized in protest of the obscene display of Nigeria’s stolen wealth by politicians.


Edochie, in an interview monitored on the Africa Independent Television (AIT), on Tuesday afternoon, said he was well treated by his captors for the 24 hours he was with them, noting that his kidnappers accorded him much respect and dignity.


He revealed his kidnappers told him they were not happy with the situation in the country. He said they told him that they were into the criminal act because they wanted to get their own share of the wealth being displayed by politicians. He said the kidnappers stated that although, people were repulsed by the act of seizing people, there was nothing else they could do.


He said they refrained from shooting victims to show Nigerians that they were just focused on making money and not taking lives. Edochie, who said they were youngmen, said he was grateful to them for the respect they accorded him.


He appreciated Nigerians for the concern during his captivity, saying he had to switch off his phone because he was feeling pains in both ears from taking calls.

LOL! at "lubricating my system" i don't know who teaches Nigerians english but DAMN! lol

Ikengawo:

LOL! at "lubricating my system" i don't know who teaches Nigerians english but DAMN! lol

I had to read that part twice just to make sure I read it correctly, lol

Me three that was funny as hell. Some times it's good to be a common man in Nigeria, you don't worry about being kidnapped.

OMG! lol
maybe he was telling proverbs lol

Thank God for his safety.
Pete should roll out a Home Video out of this experience soon. All, watch out.
By the way, Can you suggest titles for the upcoming videos? what about these titles "The Godfather is Kidnapped", "In the Kidnappers' Den", "Kidnapped", "Kidnappers are Humane", "An encounter with Kidnappers" e.t.c

Oh well at least he is ok.

I said That 'No matter how big the butterfly may claim to be we can never mistaken it for a bird',
'The greatness of a lion is what protects him even in the Jungle',
The great Man has successfully journeyed through the territory of lion unhurt,
Your are welcome to tell the stories.

Seems Pete got a sense of humour; and singing high praises of his captors for whatever reason probably to prevent any re-kidnapping. What about the three innocent people killed during the disturbance that led to his abduction?

Is it possible that the entire "kidnapping"  episode was in fact a carefully choreographed event staged by paid performers, so as to boost this veteran Nigerian movie actor's box-office draw ?

Whatever the true case may be, those all-important audience ratings will get a huge boost from all the free publicity generated, and the movie-like happy ending to this affair.

snowdrops:

Seems Pete got a sense of humour; and singing high praises of his captors for whatever reason probably to prevent any re-kidnapping. What about the three innocent people killed during the disturbance that led to his abduction?

Are we even sure that 3 people were killed during the disturbance that led to his abduction? He clearly stated that his assistants were released and they took him. I am not sure he would forget to mention any deaths if they actually occurred.

Me, I no dey trust our media, they can say anything just to sell and make money.

some peeps have not heard of gear oil and engine oil

u can't beat naija slangs

They bought me some drinks, made sure I did not get alcoholically dry. You know as an individual, if you find yourself in a situation like that under siege, you complicate your situation if you experience internal alcoholic drought.

This is serious ooo, what of those people who do not take alcohol at all?

MrCrackles:

Well maybe they will step down or lubricate thier engines with Kunu, pure water, Shekpe or Otapiapia. . .

Don't forget Paraga too

I bet this kidnaping thing is another Nollywood special Get ready to grab your copy now!!!

I don't get it.didn't people get killed?pete edochie is tryin' to make it look like his kidnappers did no wrong.
I know ransom money was paid but the attempt to water it down is so silly.
Urrrghhh!kidnappers bought you shaq out of your ransom money,abeg

This event has just confirmed that the man Pete Edochie is a GodFather, whereever whenever!

So did he pay or did he not pay ransome

Thank God for his release !!!!

Are we sure this is not a prelude to another Nollywood home video? 

Just watch out because the aadvertisementhas just commence !!!!!

you people think you are funny but youre not.

THE AMAKA:

you people think you are funny but youre not.

Very local poster. Village girl

Thank God for his release.

kokoA:

Very local poster. Village girl

village girl? ive never onced lived in the village a day in my life.
honestly, these posts are not funny. sheesh! im just saying. lol
"his next movie" hahaha-NO!

The Iroko tree has been released from the clutches of evil

The wasn't kidnapped them, he went to spend the weekend there and extended it by two days!!!        

galatico:

The wasn't kidnapped them, he went to spend the weekend there and extended it by two days!!!

hahahahaha!!

i symphatize with pete edochie on dis bad and unforgettable xperience,but i dont believe d part dt no ransom was paid b4 he was released.he  should try and get over dis bad thing and move on in life.god is our only security in dis country.nothing is working at all.this is a pity.

Afaukwu:

He further said that the hoodlums had to take to their heels when they got wind of the presence of men and officers of the command
However, the command has commenced man hunt for the suspected kidnappers which according to Amakulor, was already yielding positive results.
The police commissioner also said signals had been sent across the neighbouring states to Anambra while the respective state police commands were on the trail of the hoodlums.
Amakulor assured residents of the state to go about their lawful duties without any fear as the command had taken proactive measures at stemming incidents of violent crime in the state.

Trust Nigerian police to always want to take the glory, even when it is obvious they did nothing to help  

LMAO @ the alcohol part, the man is really funny!!

Godfather welcome back, hope you didn't comsume much of the resources (Star/Gulder), any ways Dog no dey chop Dog thats why they admit you are their father. Dem dey craze?

ive never onced lived in the village a day in my life