October 30, (THEWILL) – Eight persons kidnapped in Itapaji-Ekiti, Ekiti state last Tuesday have regained their freedom after payment of ransoms by their respective families.
They were kidnapped after gunmen attacked a house located in the town around 9.30 p.m., shot sporadically into the air and made away with eight occupants of the building.
The gunshots lasted for over one hour, leaving the residents terrified.
A source close to one of the victims said the kidnappers collected N2.5 million, a pack of cigarettes and one pack of milk before setting them free.
They were freed around 10 p.m. on Thursday in a forest after the gunmen had collected the ransom.
“They were released on Thursday night. The kidnappers collected a sum of N2.5 million, a pack of cigarettes and a pack of milk before they were allowed to go.
“You can see the situation of things in our state and the audacity of the bandits to be collecting food items and other materials. Only God can save us here”, the source said.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Sunday Abutu, confirmed the release of the abductees but denied knowledge of a ransom payment.
“The eight persons kidnapped at Itapaji-Ekiti in Ikole-Ekiti have all regained their freedom after concerted efforts of the police, the military, the NSCDC and the Amotekun Corps as well as the families of the victims. They have all been debriefed and reunited with their families,” the PPRO said.
