Abducted Ondo farmers regain freedom

The seven farmers kidnapped in their farmland at Itaogbolu in Akure North LGA, Ondo State, on Saturday have regained freedom. 

The victims were working on their farms when gunmen launched an attack and whisked them away. 

A relative of one of the kidnapped farmers, who did not want to be named for security reasons, confirmed on Friday that the seven farmers were released on Wednesday night after spending five days in captivity. 

“I’m happy to tell you that the kidnappers released all seven farmers on Wednesday night. They are back with 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 N5 million and food items. The victims are now in the hospital for medical attention,” he said. 

The commander of the Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, could not be reached for comments.

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