Seven Abducted Farmers Regain Freedom After Paying N5m Ransom In Ondo

Seven farmers who were abducted in Itaogbolu, located in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, have been released after spending five days in captivity.

It was gathered that the victims were kidnapped on Saturday, July 26, while working on their farmland.

They were freed on Wednesday night, according to a relative who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, August 1.

He revealed that the kidnappers accepted N5 million despite initially demanding N100 million, and later slashing it to N20 million.

The victims were reportedly released in Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, after the ransom was paid along with some food supplies.

“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 the N5 million and food items.

“The victims are now in the hospital for medical attention,” the relative said.

When contacted, the state police spokesperson, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, said, “I’m not aware of their release.”

Meanwhile, police arrested a traditional ruler for allegedly raping a 12-year-old girl in the Laaagba community, Ondo East Local Government Area of the state.