The kidnapped Ekiti traditional chief, Chief Emmanuel Obafemi, and two cocoa merchants kidnapped at Ijan Ekiti in the Gbonyin Local Government area of Ekiti State last week have regained their freedom from the abductors.
While the traditional chief was whisked away from his farm along Ijan – Ado Road on Thursday, the two cocoa merchants were waylaid on motorbike along Ijan – Ise Road on Christmas day 48 hours after and taken to the forest.
Sources said that the victims regained their freedom in the early hours of Wednesday after payment of N2million by each of the two groups totaling N4million.
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A family source, who told journalists in Ado Ekiti that Obafemi paid N2 million before being let off the hook, said, “Chief Obafemi paid N2million while the two other cocoa merchants paid another N2million making a total of N4million before they were released around 3 a.m today (Wednesday)”.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti Command, Sunday Abutu, confirmed the release of the abductees, saying they had since rejoined with their families.
Abutu said, “They were released around 3 a.m this morning. They are now with their families safe and sound. The release was as a result of the hard work put up by the combined forces of police, Amotekun Corps, and local hunters, who combed the forest in search of the abductees.
“We assure Ekiti residents of their safety always while urging them to always avail us of useful information that can help in safeguarding the lives and property of our citizens.”
