The abductors of travellers in Omi-Alafa village, along the Owo-Ifon road in Ondo State’s Ose Local Government Area, have demanded N90 million in ransom from the victims’ families.
The victims were kidnapped on their way back from a burial ceremony in Edo State on Saturday.
Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Ondo State, revealed this in Akure on Monday while briefing reporters on the abduction.
She stated that 18 of the passengers on the bus were kidnapped, while nine were released.
“They went for a burial at Ewatota, in Esan local government area of Edo state, one of the buses, a 32 seater coastal bus hired from Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo was attacked by suspected kidnappers. The vehicle was ransacked, the people were sarch and dispossessed of their valuables.
“They selected 18 out of the passengers and matched them into the bush. Some of those that were left behind immediately put a call to Amotekun corps which they swung into action.
“Among those who were taken into the bush, Amotekun found seven of them. Out of the remaining eleven, two of them escaped and only nine people are still in captivity.
“Right now as I speak, Amotekun is working with the police, the DSS, and the Nigerian Army to ensure their release,” the commissioner disclosed.
Adding, “Today, the kidnappers have made contact with families of victims and they are demanding ransom of between N3 – N10 million. Investigation of this abduction continues but it’s important to note and commend the gallant men of Amotekun in getting to the scene and rescuing victims.”
According to her, the kidnappers found it easy because the scene borders Edo state, so they strike and run back to Edo because they know Ondo is no longer a haven for criminals.
