Four kidnapped travelers from Ekiti headed to Ibadan are released by gunmen

Four travelers headed for Ibadan who were abducted in Ekiti State on Sunday reportedly paid an N4 million ransom to get their freedom.

The travelers were on their way back to Ibadan from a ceremony in Kogi State when they were abducted at Irele and Oke-Ako Ekiti Road in Ajoni Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

The four victims were released in a woodland in Iyemero-Ekiti in Ajoni LCDA, according to a source who talked with reporters on Tuesday.

On Sunday night, the gunmen allegedly called the victims’ families and wanted N10 million before releasing them.

The source further stated that the gunmen obtained N4 million following protracted discussions and pleading.

I can confirm for you that the four victims were freed on Tuesday morning following the gunmen’s collection of N4 million from the victims’ families, the man added.

You are aware that they initially requested N10 million, but the families pleaded with them before they agreed to release the prisoners in exchange for that sum.

Brigadier-General Joe Komolafe (retd), the corps commander of Amotekun in the state, verified the victims’ release when he was reached. Komolafe claimed the release was made possible by the combined efforts of the Amotekun corps, police, and neighborhood hunters while denying knowledge of any ransom payment.