Ondo Funeral Guests: Abductors Demand N90m Ransom

The abductors of travellers at Omi-Alafa village, along Owo-Ifon road, in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, have demanded N90 million ransom from the families of the victims.

The victims were abducted on Saturday, by four gunmen while they were returning from a burial ceremony in Edo State.

Confirming the incident, Spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, Funmi Odunlami, said the police and other security agencies were already working so hard to ensure that the victims are released unhurt.

Addressing journalists in Akure, the State capital, on Monday evening, the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Bamidele Oladele-Olateju, disclosed that only 18 passengers were abducted and nine of them have regained their freedom.

“They went for a burial at Ewatota, in Esan local government area of Edo state, one of the buses, a 32 seater coaster bus, hired from Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, was attacked by suspected kidnappers. The vehicle was ransacked, the people were searched and dispossessed of their valuables.

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“They selected 18 out of the passengers and matched them into the bush. Some of those that were left behind immediately put a call to Amotekun corps, who swung into action.

“Among those who were taken into the bush, Amotekun found seven of them. Out of the remaining eleven, two of them escaped and only nine people are still in captivity.

“Right now as I speak, Amotekun is working with the police, the DSS, and the Nigerian Army to ensure their release,” the commissioner disclosed.

“Today, the kidnappers have made contact with families of victims and they are demanding ransom of between N3 – N10 million. Investigation of this abduction continues, but it’s important to note and commend the gallant men of Amotekun in getting to the scene and rescuing victims”, she said, adding that the kidnappers found it easy because the scene borders Edo state, so they strike and run back to Edo because they know Ondo is no longer a haven for criminals.

Source: The Will