Seven farmers who were abducted last Saturday while working on their farmland in Itaogbolu, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, have regained their freedom.
The victims were released on Wednesday night, five days after being taken by gunmen who attacked them on their farms.
A relative of one of the victims, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on condition of anonymity, confirmed the development on Friday.
“I’m happy to tell you that the kidnappers released all seven farmers on Wednesday night. They are back with their families,” the source said.
He disclosed that the abductors had initially demanded N100 million in ransom but later reduced the amount to N20 million.
“We were only able to raise N5 million. They were released in Ikere-Ekiti after the kidnappers collected the N5 million and some food items.
The victims are currently receiving medical attention in a hospital,” he added.
Efforts to reach the Commander of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, Mr Adetunji Adeleye, were unsuccessful, as calls to his mobile phone went unanswered.
When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, said he was not yet aware of the victims’ release.