By Jimoh Ahmed, Owo
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Fear and anxiety have gripped motorists and commuters plying the Owo/Ikare road as the era of kidnapping has returned to the route.
This is following the kidnap of an Ikare Akoko traditional Chief and three others on Thursday evening.
The road in the past was known for high profile abductions including the former Regent of Akungba Akoko, Princess Oluwatoyin Onisowon and another traditional ruler in Akoko.
Some of the users of the road who spoke with The Hope at Ago Paanu, the axis which has been the centre point of the kidnappers, said they are now at a fix on what to do.
According to them, the route is the only way to the source for their daily living and for them, the return of the kidnappers to the road seemed to be a death sentence.
Mr Mukaila Wahab, a commercial driver, said he was once forced to take to commercial motorcycle rider as a result of the frequent abductions on the road.
According to him, that period was a hell for him as he was not comfortable with the new trade as putting food on the table for his family was difficult.
The driver disclosed that when the kidnapping went down, he felt relieved and returned to his business but now it seems trouble has started again.
In the same vein, Mrs Florence Ajetunmobi, a trader from Oka Akoko, said relies on the route to feed her family and train her four children who are now in tertiary institutions.
Florence, who trades in foodstuffs, said kidnapping is giving traders like her serious headache.
A motorist and local government staffer, Mr Adewumi Ayomikunle, said he always go to work in one of the council headquarters in Akoko.
Adewumi said he had a nasty experience in 2019 when he almost got killed by kidnappers who shot at his car.
According to him, it was divine intervention that saved him but his car got riddled with bullets.
Meanwhile, the kidnapped Oniku of Iku Quarters, Ikare Akoko, Chief Mukaila Bello and the other three indigenes of the town who were abducted along with him have regained their freedom.
Other victims released are Yeye Gbafinro, Adeniran Adeyemo and Bashiru Adekile.
The victims who were kidnapped on Thursday evening, were released on Owo-Akoko road and they have been taken to undisclosed hospital for medical attention.
The Owa-Ale of Ikare Akoko, Oba Adeleke Adegbite-Adedoyin while reacting to the news of the release of the abductees expressed joy.
Oba Adedoyin, appreciated the State Governor, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, his cabinet members and all security agencies for their efforts in securing the release of the victims.
The Owa Ale who said Governor Akeredolu had committed a lot in improving security architecture of the State especially recent donation of well-equipped patrol vehicles to security agencies, advised the federal government and the people of Ondo State to continue to give full support to the state government to make the state more secured.
