A traditional Chief in Ijan Ekiti , Gbonyin Local Government area of Ekiti State, Chief Emmanuel Obafemi and two other kidnapped cocoa merchants have been freed after paying the sum of N4 million as ransom.
They were released along Ikere road on Wednesday and have joined their families.
Obafemi, who was kidnapped last Thursday on his farm located along Ado-Ijan road, was taken to an unknown destination.
The two cocoa merchants, who are residents of a farmstead called Ilupeju-Ijan were abducted on Saturday along Ijan-Ise road.
A family source who spoke to journalists in Ado Ekiti yesterday, said, “I can confirm to you that Chief Obafemi paid N2milliom while the two other cocoa merchants paid another N2million making a total of N4m before they were released around 3am today (yesterday)”.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti Command, Sunday Abutu, confirmed the release of the abductees, saying they had since rejoined with their families.
According to him, “They were released around 3am this morning. They are now with their families safe and sound. But let me say that the release was as a result of the hardwork put up by the combined forces of police, Amotekun Corps and local hunters, who combed the forest in search of the abductees.
“We assure Ekiti residents of their safety always while urging them to always avail us of useful information that can help in safeguarding the lives and property of our citizens”.
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