Couple released after payment of N5m ransom in Ilu-Abo, Ondo State

By Adetokunbo Abiola

A family at Ilu-Abo in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State erupted with joy when kidnappers released their family members after the payment of a ransom of five million naira.

The kidnapped family members, Jamiu Olawale and his wife, were abducted  after  hoodlums waylaid and abducted them as they returned to their home.

Jamiu and his wife spent four days in captivity before regaining their freedom on Tuesday night.

According to a relative, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the ransom of N5 million was paid to secure their release, saying, “Jamiu and his wife were freed by their captors on Tuesday night, and they have since reunited with their family.”

The Daily Monitor gathered that the kidnappers had initially demanded a ransom of N40 million, but the sum was later reduced to N12 million after negotiations, before the kidnappers  agreed to the five million naira payment.

The bandits had reportedly kidnapped Jamiu and his wife on Jan 20, shooting another person, causing residents of Ilu-Abo to flee for safety amidst gunfire from the hoodlums.

Angry residents of Ilu-Abo had  taken to the streets after the incident, chanting songs of protest and blocking the Akure-Owo Expressway.