The nine surveyors who were kidnapped in the Akure North council area of Ondo State last week have regained their freedom after the payment of a ransom of N20 million to their abductors.
The kidnappers had initially demanded N100 million for their release and efforts by market women to negotiate the ransom down to N50 million were initially rejected before an agreement was eventually reached.
Confirming their release in Akure, the state capital on Wednesday, Pastor Ajibade Owolanke, brother to the Ejemikin of Akure, High Chief Oluwole Omotayo, stated that the victims have now reunited with their families.
Reports say the victims were taken to different hospitals for medical evaluation after they were released by their abductors.
Recall that the victims were kidnapped a week ago while on site at Ilu-Abo, in Akure North council area of the state.
Irked by the state of insecurity in the state, market women and other youths in the Akure metropolis staged a protest on Tuesday and appealed to the governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa and security chiefs in the state to halt the ugly development.
