Abducted Ondo farmers regain freedom after five days in captivity

By Boye Oyeyemi –

Seven farmers who were abducted on Saturday while working on their farmland in Itaogbolu, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, have regained their freedom after five days in captivity.

The victims were said to have been released on Wednesday night following negotiations between their families and the kidnappers.

A relative of one of the abductees, who spoke under condition of anonymity, confirmed their release and disclosed that the captors initially demanded N100 million as ransom.

“I’m happy to tell you that the kidnappers released all seven farmers on Wednesday night. They are back to their families.

“I want to let you know that when the kidnappers demanded ransom, which was N100 million initially before it was reduced to N20 million, we were only able to raise N5 million.

“They were released in Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti, on Wednesday night after collecting the N5 million and food items. The victims are now in the hospital for medical attention,” he said.

Efforts to reach the state Commander of Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, were unsuccessful, as calls to his phone went unanswered.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, when contacted, said, “I’m not aware of their release.”