Seven farmers who were abducted in the Itaogbolu area of Akure North Local Government, Ondo State, have regained their freedom after enduring five traumatic days in captivity, The Nation has learned.
According to sources close to the victims, the farmers were released on Wednesday night.
“It is true. They [farmers] have been set free and released to their families,” a source confirmed to our reporter on Friday morning.
The victims were reportedly released in a forest near Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, after their captors collected a ransom of N5 million along with some food supplies.
“Some of them are now in the hospital where they’re receiving treatment due to the maltreatment they received while in the den of the kidnappers,” the source added.
Efforts to reach Ayanlade Olayinka, spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, were unsuccessful as of press time. A message sent to his official line was undelivered.
However, a security official within the state command, who requested anonymity, confirmed the farmers’ release in a brief statement to our reporter.
The victims were reportedly abducted over the weekend while harvesting palm fruits on their farm when the attackers struck.
Family members said the kidnappers initially demanded N100 million for their release. During negotiations, the ransom was later reduced to N20 million.
Meanwhile, efforts to rescue the victims met resistance when Amotekun Corps operatives came under attack from the abductors, resulting in injuries to three officers.
Details Later…