Nine kidnapped surveyors in Ondo freed after N20m ransom payment

Nine surveyors who were abducted in the Akure North council area of Ondo State have regained their freedom after a ransom of N20 million was paid to their captors.  

Initially, the kidnappers had demanded N100 million for their release. Efforts by market women to negotiate the ransom down to N50 million were initially rejected before an agreement was eventually reached.

Pastor Ajibade Owolanke, brother to the Ejemikin of Akure, High Chief Oluwole Omotayo, confirmed their release in Akure, the state capital. He stated that the victims have now reunited with their families.

News360 Nigeria reports that the victims were taken to different hospitals after they were released by their abductors.

Recall that the victims were kidnapped a week ago while on site at Ilu-Abo, in Akure North council area of the state.

Irked by the state of insecurity in the state, market women and other Youths in Akure metropolis staged a protest on Tuesday and appealed to the governor, Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa and the security chiefs in the state to halt the ugly development.