Kidnapped timber contractor escapes from abductors in Ondo

By Boye Oyeyemi

A timber contractor, Bayo Omoniyi, has regained his freedom after escaping from suspected kidnappers who held him captive for five days in Ondo State.

The 45-year-old reportedly broke away from the gang after enduring what a community leader described as “a traumatic experience in the kidnappers’ hideout.”

Omoniyi was reportedly seized along the Idoani-Ifira Road in Ifira-Akoko and taken into a forest by the suspected abductors before he eventually managed to flee.

He was subsequently taken to an undisclosed hospital for medical attention following his return, according to a community source.

The development was confirmed by Chief Boboye Ojomo, a community leader, who said the victim had suffered considerably during the period he spent with the criminals.

Ojomo said the safe return of the contractor had brought relief to residents of Ifira-Akoko, who had been worried about his whereabouts since his abduction.

The community leader appealed to security agencies and the government to step up surveillance along the Orita-Ipele-Idoani-Ifira route, particularly areas affected by poor road conditions.

He also urged authorities to take measures capable of preventing criminals from using the route as a hideout. Efforts to obtain an official response from the Ondo State Police Command were unsuccessful as calls to its spokesperson were not connected.