Girondins-Bordeaux of France winger, Samuel Kalu has sent out a message of gratitude to all well-wishers, fans, colleagues and officials who stood by him during the abduction of his mother by kidnappers.
Kalu acknowledged the comforting words he received from many Nigeria and other football lovers from across the globe when his mother, Mrs Ozuruonye Juliet Kalu, was in the kidnappers’ den.
Sports247.ng reports that Mrs Kalu was finally released on Tuesday, after being held for nearly a week, and her son confessed that he can now concentrate on playing once again for his club.
Although the Super Eagles rookie was eventually left out of Bordeuax’s Ligue 1 clash with Montpellier on Tuesday, Kalu declared that he has overcome the kidnap scare, but refused to speak on the ransom paid.
Mrs Kalu was abducted from her car on Wednesday, February 27 on her way home in Abia State, after which the kidnappers demanded that her family pay a ransom of N15m for her release.
Family sources disclosed at the weekend that they paid N3m, with high hope that she would be released immediately, but it was until Tuesday that their wishes came true.
Although there was no confirmation if another amount had been paid by the family, Abia State police spokesman, Godfrey Ogbona confirmed that Mrs Kalu was back with her family, without any harm or injuries.
In reaction, Kalu said: “The most important thing is that she is safe and sound. I can now focus on football again, because the situation got me worried and unstable to concentrate on the field.”
