SEVEN farmers who were kidnapped last Saturday while working on their farmland in Itaogbolu, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, have regained their freedom.
The victims were released on Wednesday night after spending five days in captivity, a relative of one of the abductees told newsmen today.
The relative, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said, “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.”
Efforts to speak with the state Commander of Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, were unsuccessful, as calls to his cell phone were not answered.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, simply said, “I’m not aware of their release.”