The kidnappers of nine burial guests who were abducted around Benin-Ifon road last weekend have demanded N90 million ransom to secure their release.
The Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs Bamide Ademola-Olateju who disclosed this in Akure while briefing newsmen, said the victims were returning from a burial ceremony in Ewatto, Edo State before they were kidnapped in Ifon, a border town with Edo State.
Ademola-Olateju who said the state government would not be involved in the ransom negotiation said that the kidnappers used the money from the ransom to equip and arm themselves to do more harm.
The Commissioner said to release the victims, the kidnappers are demanding between N3m and N10m to release each victim.
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She said 11 people were abducted but two of the victims escaped from the abductors— nine are still in the captivity of the kidnappers.
“The victims went for burial at Ewatto town. They were returning in a 32-seater Coastal bus hired from Rufus Giwa Polytechnic when they were attacked by suspected kidnappers.
“The kidnappers shot into the air and took 18 of the passengers. Those remaining were called the Amotekun Corps who got to the scene within 15 minutes. Among those in the bush, seven were found and two others escaped.”
She said Amotekun is working with the police, the DSS and the Nigerian Army to secure the release of the remaining mine victims as well as commending the Amotekun Corps for getting to the scene.
She reiterated that Ondo State would not be a haven for criminals.
The Commissioner further reiterated the commitment of the Akeredolu-led administration to the security of lives and properties of citizens in the state, noting that the security of lives and properties of residents remain paramount to the government.
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