Nine surveyors abducted in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State have regained their freedom after their families paid a ransom of N20 million.
The victims were kidnapped last week while working on a site in Ilu-Abo, Akure North. Their abductors initially demanded N100 million for their release.
However, after negotiations during which market women pleaded for the ransom to be reduced to N50 million, the kidnappers eventually agreed to N20 million.
Their release was confirmed in Akure, the state capital, by Pastor Ajibade Owolanke, a brother to the Ejemikin of Akure, High Chief Oluwole Omotayo. He stated that the victims had reunited with their families.
Sources revealed that the victims were immediately taken to different hospitals for medical checkups following their release.
The abduction had sparked outrage in Akure, with market women and youths staging a protest on Tuesday. They called on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and security agencies to take urgent action to curb the rising insecurity in the state.
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