Kidnapped Chinese national regains freedom in Kwara

The Kwara State Police Command said it has rescued a Chinese national, PengChao Zhang, from his kidnappers in a forest within the state, after spending 10 days in their den.

Zhang, also called Williams Kaka among his business associates, was on Tuesday, rescued by police operatives after a series of searches and investigations by the Police Tactical Team and vigilantes in the state forest.

He was said to have been kidnapped by a six-man armed gang at Cherish Guest House located in Eiyenkorin, on the outskirts of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

The Chinese national was said to have lodged in the guest house for over two months, conducting business, before he was kidnapped.

Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, Kwara Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed Zhang’s rescue in a statement on Wednesday.

The statement read partly, “The Kwara State Police Command is pleased to announce a significant breakthrough in the recent kidnap incident that occurred in Eiyenkorin, Ilorin, Kwara State.

“On March 10, 2024, six armed men forcefully abducted Mr PengChao Zhang (also known as Williams Kaka amongst his business associates), a Chinese national who lodged at Cherish Guest House in Eiyenkorin, Ilorin, sparking concerns and fear within the community.

“Through diligent and coordinated efforts, the command’s tactical teams and vigilante executed a series of strategic searches and investigations leading to the safe rescue of the victim in the early hours of March 19, 2024.”

The police spokesperson added that Zhang has been reunited with his family.