We paid N10.7m to our abductors
By Michael Ofulue
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Six persons reportedly abducted at Ogbese area in Akure, Ondo State capital have regained their freedom from the kidnappers’ den.
The victims were released on Wednesday night after their families parted with N10.7 million.
It will be recalled that a farmer, identified as Femi Alawiye and ten of his workers were kidnapped at his farm in Ayede Ogbese in Akure North local government area of the state.
The Hope Metro had reported that the victims were abducted last Saturday evening, after the kidnappers succeeded in luring them to the farm under the pretence that the farm was on fire.
Alawiye was called on the phone that his farm was on fire and he quickly rushed down to the farm to see the level of the damage.
Immediately he got to the farm, the bandits appeared from their hideouts and whisked him and his workers away.
Police sources hinted that the hoodlums had earlier freed five workers out of 11 kidnapped without collecting a dime from their families on the fateful day.
It was gathered that the remaining six victims, having spent four days in the kidnappers’ den, had since reunited with their families having paid a ransom of 10.7million naira.
A source close to the family of one of the victims said, “They collected N10.7 million naira from six of us and they counted the money and ensured it was complete before we were allowed to go,” he stated.
Confirming the release of the victims, the police Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami, a Superintendent of Police said, “I can confirm to you that the victims have been released unhurt.
” Our men have been in the bush trailing them and they have been freed and we are still making sure that the perpetrators of the dastardly act are brought to book.
Also, the Senior Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor on Security Matters, Alhaji Jimoh Dojumo, who also confirmed their release, hinted that efforts were in top gear to track down the hoodlums.
He enjoined the host communities to support the security agencies with useful information that will help fight violent crimes and criminality in the state.
Also reacting to the spate of incessant kidnappings in the state, Dr Abubakri Rahman,advised government to mobilize security agencies to begin combing bushes in Ogbese, Owo Ifon and Akoko axis of the state to reduce the menace.
Abubakri, who is the Former Head of the Department of Mass Communication in Rufus Giwa Polytechnic Owo, RUGIPO, hinted that “the campaign by governments and their agencies that we should return to the farm is laughable because there is no security for farmers in the farms.
“So, of what use is urging people to return to farm when their security cannot be guaranteed?
He disclosed that the best way is for the security agencies to go into the forests and comb out the criminals. Soldiers, policemen and Amotekun operatives should not limit their operations to the town or cities alone.
“They should move to the interior of the forests where the criminals have their dens,” he advised.