Seven farmers who were abducted in the Itaogbolu area of Akure North Local Government in Ondo State have regained their freedom after spending five days in captivity. Their release reportedly came late Wednesday night, bringing an end to a tense standoff that left families and the community on edge.
Sources close to the victims say the farmers were released in a forest near Ikere-Ekiti in neighboring Ekiti State after their captors collected a ransom of five million naira, along with some food supplies. The men had been taken while harvesting palm fruits over the weekend.
Some of the freed victims are currently receiving medical care following the harsh treatment they endured during their time in captivity. Security sources within the Ondo Police Command confirmed the development, though official police spokespersons have yet to provide a formal statement.
Earlier demands from the kidnappers reportedly began at one hundred million naira before being reduced during negotiations. The ordeal also saw security operatives from the Amotekun Corps come under fire during a rescue attempt, with three of their personnel injured in the process.
