AKURE, Nigeria (The Informant247) – Kidnappers are demanding a ransom of N90 million ($211,376) to release around 9 travellers snatched from a highway in southwest Nigeria on Saturday, according to a local source involved in the negotiations for their release.
The travellers numbering 18 were kidnapped on Akure-Benin Expressway in Ondo State while coming from Edo State. However, authorities said 9 of the captives managed to escape. This recent abduction is one among the several kidnapping cases which the government have attributed to criminal gangs seeking ransom payments.
It was learnt that the bandits had contacted the families of the victims, demanding between N3million ($7,045) and N10 million ($23,486) to release each of the victims.
The Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, said the state government was not involved in the ransom negotiation, saying payment of ransom further encouraged and empowered kidnappers to thrive in the illegal business.
She said, “The victims went for burial at Ewatto town. They were returning in a 32- seater Coastal bus hired from Rufus Giwa Polytechnic when they were attacked by suspected kidnappers. The kidnappers shot into the air and took 18 of the passengers.
“Those remaining called the Amotekun Corps who got to the scene within 15 minutes. Among those in the bush, seven were found and two others escaped.
“Amotekun is working with the police, the DSS and the Nigerian Army to secure release of the remaining mine victims. They are demanding ransom of between N3m and N10m.
“We commend the gallant of Amotekun Corps in getting to the scene. Ondo State will not be a safe haven for criminals. They find this spot convenient because it borders Edo State. They will strike and run back into Edo State.”
The state Police spokesperson Funmilayo Odunlami said the men of the command were still in the forest together with other security agencies to ensure other victims were rescued.