Police Explain Release Of Expatriate Doctor

The Enugu State Police Command, has confirmed the release of a kidnapped Spaniard, Dr Joe Machimbarrena, working with the Niger Foundation Hospital in Enugu.

The command’s spokesman, DSP, Ebere Amaraizu, said that Machimbarrena was looking hale and hearty when he was sited around the Thinker Corners axis of the state at about 9.35 p.m. on April 20.

In a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday, Amaraizu said that Machimbarrena had reunited with his hospital.

He said that the hospital community had thanked all the relevant security agencies in the state for their efforts in the search to get back the doctor, whom the hospital described as almost a Nigerian because of his long stay in Enugu.

The police spokesman said that the hospital also thanked members of the public and the media for the awareness which made the captors to change their mind.

He said that the command had intensified its manhunt for hoodlums to ensure the safety of lives and property in the state.

Machimbarrena was kidnapped at his home in Independence Layout, Enugu on April 4 by unknown persons.