Relief and joy returned to a family in Benue State on Tuesday after Mr. Tartenger Terdue James, a groom-to-be who was abducted days before his traditional wedding, regained his freedom. James was released by his captors after his family paid a ransom, ending days of fear, anxiety, and emotional pain.
The young man was kidnapped last Tuesday while travelling to Cross River State to purchase palm oil for his traditional marriage, which had been scheduled for Saturday, December 13, 2025. His abduction shocked family members and the wider community, as preparations for the wedding had already been completed.
According to family sources, James was on a routine trip linked to his wedding plans when gunmen intercepted him along the road. What was meant to be a happy pre-wedding journey quickly turned into a nightmare.
Relatives said James was in high spirits when he left home, looking forward to starting a new chapter in his life. Instead, news of his abduction plunged the family into distress.
“The whole family was in shock. We could not believe that someone going to buy palm oil for his wedding would be kidnapped,” a family member said.
Following the abduction, the kidnappers contacted the family and demanded a ransom of N3 million for James’ release. The demand came as a heavy blow, as the family struggled to raise the amount within a short time.
Relatives said the days that followed were filled with sleepless nights, prayers, and frantic efforts to gather money. Family members reached out to friends, church members, and well-wishers for support.
“We did not know what to do. We were praying day and night. The wedding plans became nothing compared to saving his life,” another family source said.
After days of negotiation, the family managed to raise about N1.5 million, which was paid to the kidnappers.
Relief finally came in the early hours of Tuesday when James was released. Family members said he reunited with them at about 4:00 a.m., bringing an end to nearly a week of uncertainty.
James reportedly told his relatives that his captors freed him around 2:00 a.m. and dropped him off at Kone, Tse-Ken, in Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State.
Though tired and shaken by the experience, he was said to be in stable condition and grateful to be alive.
“We tried our best and sent part of the money they asked for. It was not complete, but they released him,” a family member confirmed.
News of James’ release was greeted with relief and celebration in his community. Neighbours and friends who had followed the story closely expressed joy and thanked God for his safe return.
Some residents described the incident as another reminder of the growing insecurity in parts of Benue State, especially on rural roads.
“We are happy he is back alive. But this should not keep happening. People cannot even move freely for simple things,” a community member said.
The kidnapping disrupted what was supposed to be one of the happiest moments in James’ life. Family members said the traditional wedding had to be put on hold due to the incident.
Although no new date has been announced, relatives said the family is grateful that the groom-to-be is alive and hopeful that the ceremony will take place in the future.
“The wedding can wait. What matters is that he is alive and back with us,” a family elder said.
The incident adds to growing concerns over kidnapping and insecurity in Benue State. In recent years, several residents have been abducted while travelling on highways or moving between rural communities.
Kidnapping for ransom has become a major challenge in many parts of Nigeria, including Benue. Victims often include farmers, traders, students, and travellers.
Following James’ release, community leaders renewed calls on the Benue State Government and security agencies to improve safety on roads and in rural areas.
They urged authorities to increase patrols, gather intelligence, and address the root causes of insecurity.
“People should not be kidnapped for going about their normal lives. The government must do more to protect citizens,” a local leader said.
Despite the trauma, James’ family said they are thankful for his safe return. They described the past week as one of the most difficult periods in their lives.
As James recovers from the experience, the family says they hope his story will draw attention to the suffering many families go through due to insecurity.