Abductors of a traditional ruler, the Oniku of Iku in Ikare Akoko, High Chief Mukaila Bello and three others in Ondo State have contacted the families of the victims to demand for a ransom of N50 million before they could be released.
Recall that The Trumpet had earlier reported that the traditional head, a former House of Assembly candidate for Akoko North-East Constituency, Yèyé Gbafinro, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress(APC), Hon. Adeniran Adeyemo, and a community leader, Bashiru were abducted on Thursday along Owo Ikare Highway while on their way from Akure to Ikare. The victim’s driver was also shot by the gunmen and is currently receiving treatment at Federal Medical Centre, in Owo.
Speaking to newsmen in Akure the state capital, a family source said the kidnappers have contacted the families of the four victims. The source said “it’s true that the abductors have opened a line of discussion with the families of the four victims demanding a ransom of N50 million before they can be released.
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The source added that after they were contacted, they held a meeting to plead for reduction in the ransom, but the kidnappers insisted not to reduce it. The source further stated that the families are not buoyant enough to raise such a huge amount of money.
“We are still begging them to reduce it. They are yet to reach out to us again.”
However, the source disclosed that a prayer session had been held in the Ikare Akoko Community for the release of the victims from their abductors. The Police image maker in the state, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, said the police and the local hunters and vigilante were still combating the forest to ensure the victims were rescued unhurt.
“The police, local hunters and vigilantes in the area are combing the bush for the rescue of the victims and arrest of the assailants. The police have recovered the vehicle while the driver was taken to the hospital.”
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