Nine surveyors who were kidnapped in the Akure North Council area of Ondo State have regained their freedom after the payment of a N20 million ransom.
The victims, who were abducted a week ago while on site at Ilu-Abo, were initially held for a N100 million ransom by their captors.
Efforts to negotiate the sum led market women and other concerned individuals to plead for a reduction to N50 million. However, the kidnappers initially rejected the offer before eventually settling for N20 million.
The release of the abducted surveyors was confirmed by Pastor Ajibade Owolanke, brother to the Ejemikin of Akure, High Chief Oluwole Omotayo, in Akure, the state capital. Pastor Owolanke disclosed that all victims have reunited with their respective families.
Protest Hits Ondo Over Abduction Of Nine Surveyors
Following their release, the victims were immediately taken to various hospitals for medical check-ups and treatment.
The incident has heightened concerns over the rising state of insecurity in Ondo State. In reaction, market women and youths in Akure metropolis staged a protest on Tuesday, calling on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and security chiefs in the state to take urgent measures to curb the increasing wave of kidnappings and other criminal activities.
Residents are now demanding a more proactive approach from security agencies to ensure the safety of citizens and prevent further occurrences of such incidents.