Gunmen kill one, abduct 4 travellers in Ondo, demand N60m ransom

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers, on Monday, abducted four people travelling in a commercial bus along Owo/ Ikare road in Ondo State.

Tribune Online gathered that the four victims and their driver who were heading to Akure, Ondo State, from Ikare Akoko were stopped around Oba Akoko area of the road and were forcibly taken into the bush.

According to the source, one of the passengers who confronted the kidnappers was shot on the head and died instantly while other victims were ordered into the bush.

He explained that the activities of the kidnappers were rampant in the area, saying that the traditional head of Iyani Akoko, Oba Sunday Daodu, was abducted at the same spot some few months ago.

Tribune Online gathered that the kidnappers had contacted the families of the victims, requesting for N15 million each for the release of the victims.

According to a family source, “the kidnappers had contacted us and demanded for N15 million initially but we have been able to negotiate with them and we have agreed to N1 million.”

He however said the kidnappers vowed not to release any of the victims unless the ransom was paid.

Confirming the development, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Femi Joseph, said police from the command have commenced investigation into the kidnap.

Joseph assured that the gunmen would be brought to book soon, saying detectives from the command had been combing the area.