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“I Would’ve Ran Away, I Just Decided To Follow Them” – Kidnapped Native Doctor, Akwa Okuko
Popular native doctor, Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, has recounted how he was kidnapped from his hotel in Oba, Idemili North local government area of Anambra State.
KanyiDaily recalls that Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki (an egg that breaks palm nut), whose real name is Chukwudozie Nwangwu, was abducted On Sunday night, July 23, from his Triple P Hotel by the gunmen who also shot two of his security aides to death.
Despite being reputed to possess the power of disappearance, Akwa Okuko was unable to escape when the kidnappers struck and killed two of his personal aides.
As one of the strongest native doctors in Anambra, the ease with which he was kidnapped by the gunmen has raised eyebrows and questioned the rumored extent of his supernatural abilities.
Many people also alleged that the native doctor might have been kidnapped by some of his patrons who were disappointed that his money-making ritual did not work for them, thereby seeking a way to get at him and get back their money.
Anambra State Police spokesman, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed that Akwa Okuko Tiwaraki was released by his abductors in the early hours of Saturday, July 29.
Ikenga, who did not disclose the amount his abductors collected, confirmed that the abductors contacted the native doctor’s colleagues, and some money was paid to them.
He said that the amount demanded by the abductors was reportedly between N200 million and N300 million, but another source said that the kidnappers demanded an additional N50 million, which was also delivered to them before the native doctor was freed.
Recounting the horrifying experience to friends and well-wishers, Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki set the record straight amidst speculations surrounding his abduction.
He clarified that he received a call from someone named Okey Japan, who claimed to be at his hotel, spending a substantial sum of money. Concerned, he decided to go to the hotel alone to investigate.
Upon arriving at the hotel, the native doctor said chaos ensued as gunshots rang out, causing people to flee in panic and the the attackers killed two of his security men.
Despite the opportunity to escape, Akwa Okuko said he chose to stay and follow the kidnappers to prevent further bloodshed, as the attackers may harm more people if he decided to flee.
He said, said: “Let me tell you all what happened. While I was in the kidnappers’ den, I listened to the radio and saw how people were speaking all kinds of rubbish, so I decided to set the record straight.
“What really happened was that I was there (at home) that day, at around 11:30, when someone named Okey Japan called me and said they were at my hotel, and that they were spending money, and had spent close to N300,000, and that they would have wanted me to be around.
“I obliged them and drove to the hotel all by myself, in my new car. No one came with me. I was there, and not up to 30 minutes, gunshot rented the air. People started running helter-skelter. I now went out to see what happening, and the people started shooting at me.
“They killed two of my security men. I don’t want to reveal much now, but I know that only two things can only save a man. If your charms do not save you, your money will save you.
“Anyone who has charms should have money. So the people took me into their car. If I wanted to run away, I would have run away, but I have seen those that were shot and I said if I leave, they will kill many people. A lot of people were lying down, and if I wanted to leave, they would have killed many.”
Addressing the rumors that his kidnap was linked to disappointed patrons seeking revenge for money-making rituals, Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki refuted such claims.
The native doctor asserted that he did not defraud anyone and is willing to help those who says otherwise, provided they come forward and make their complain genuinely.
Amidst all the speculation and celebration of his misfortune, Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki emphasized that life’s tragedies can befall anyone, regardless of their financial status.
He urged people to be compassionate and refrain from celebrating the misfortunes of others, as no one is immune to the unpredictable nature of life’s challenges.
“The story too would have been that the whole thing started when I came in, meaning that I was the one who brought in kidnappers. I decided to follow them to show that my hands were clean. What I did was to save many souls. If you think they took me because I ate people’s money, let me tell you I did not. If I eat your money, come to me I will give you money because I have money.
“People may be rejoicing that it happened to me but let me tell you, if the death that killed the rich, encounters the poor, it will crush him.
“This whole thing is related to this sit-at-home people, and they mentioned names of more people they will take, but it’s not something I can say now. They killed many in front of me. They killed up to 20 people before me. I did not take anyone’s money, they just came to kidnap and their target is people who have money. They wanted to kidnap as many as 50 people from my hotel that day, but I rather followed them,” the witch doctor said.
KanyiDaily recalls that Nollywood actress, Ruth Eze was seen celebrating her birthday with Akwa Okuko, days after purchasing a palatial mansion and Mercedes Benz.