Nine Kidnapped Surveyors Freed in Ondo After N20 Million Ransom Payment
Nine surveyors who were abducted in Ilu-Abo, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, have regained their freedom after their families reportedly paid a N20 million ransom.
The victims were kidnapped last week while working on a site, with their abductors initially demanding N100 million for their release. After negotiations and appeals from market women, the ransom was eventually reduced to N20 million before the victims were freed.
Confirming their release in Akure, the state capital, Pastor Ajibade Owolanke, a relative of High Chief Oluwole Omotayo, the Ejemikin of Akure, said the victims had reunited with their families. Tribune reported that the victims were immediately taken to hospitals for medical evaluations following their release.
The abduction had triggered widespread protests in Akure, with market women and youths demanding urgent action from Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and security agencies to address the rising insecurity in the state.
Responding to the demonstrators, the Special Adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties, Bola Taiwo, attributed the incident to the absence of security escorts. He suggested that surveyors should ensure police protection while visiting sites, alleging that insider collaboration might have played a role in the abduction.
Taiwo urged community leaders to formally report the incident to law enforcement, emphasizing that security escorts could deter such attacks. He also called on residents of Ilu-Abo to demand the immediate release of any remaining captives while the government engages with local leaders on further security measures.
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