The people of Achina community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra have concluded a week-long fasting and prayer session for the release of their illustrious son, Sir James Uzochukwu Uduji, who has been held captive for more than a month.

Four priests officiated at different church services held on Sunday to conclude the spiritual exercise. Rev. George Echetebe of St. Barnabas Anglican church, Isi-Achina, Rev Fr. Sabastine Ejie of St. Mary’s Catholic Church Isi-Achina, and Pastor Victor Onyenagolum of Assemblies of God Church took turns to intercede for the immediate and unconditional release of Sir Uduji.

Uduji, who is the Chairman of Comestar Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of armoured cable based in Agbara Industrial Estate, Ogun State, was kidnapped in front of his residence at 7th Avenue, Festac, Lagos, 46 days ago.

Sir Uduji’s abductors had reportedly made an initial demand of $1m (N220m) or he would be killed in captivity but were said to have been paid N100m. However, the patriarch of the Uduji family, Sir Uche Uduji, however, said that what was paid not anywhere close to N100m. He refused to disclose the amount the family has already handed out to the abductors but disclosed that negotiations are still on-going with them.

News Express reports that the entire Isi-Achina autonomous community led by its town union President General, Bar. Pius Ezeonyiwara, and the traditional ruler, HRH, Igwe David Ezemokwe, on Saturday closed their markets and shops and trooped out to pray for the safe return of the kidnapped industrialist.

They called on President Mohammadu Buhari, and the duo of Governors of Lagos State Akinwunmi Ambode and Willie Obiano of Anambra State to, as a matter of urgency, intervene to ensure the safe return of Uduji, whom they described as a peace-loving man and helper of the poor.

Speaking after the church service, the Secretary general of Isi-Achina community, Dr. Sunday Ezeanyaji, said that the kidnap of one of their own has exposed the poor security situation in the country and appealed to the Inspector General of Police, IGP Solomon Arase, and Commissioner of Police of Lagos State to facilitate the release of their son as they did former Secretary General of the Federation (SGF) Olu Falae recently.

On his part, the Traditional ruler of Isi-Achina, HRH, Dr. David Ezemokwe, who stressed that kidnap is worse than Boko Haram said that the misdemeanor has scared investors away from the Nigeria.

•Photo shows Sir James Uduji.