Kidnappers abduct 3 persons in Ekiti, demand N22m ransom

By Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado Ekiti

Three persons were said to have been abducted during the weekend along the Aramoko-Erio-Efon Road in Ekiti East Local Government of Ekiti state.

The route which extends to the border with Osun state has become a beehive for criminals in recent times following reported cases of kidnapping, robbery and killings.

Among the abductees are an Ibadan based twins, Kehinde and Taiwo Olowoafara, who were kidnapped by suspected herders at Aramoko Ekiti on Sunday. Another victim is the General Secretary of Christ’s School Alumni Association, Ado Ekiti, Ayo Oladele, who was reportedly abducted on Saturday.

The policemen, families and friends of the victims are yet to know their locations while efforts have been intensified to ascertain where they are held captive by their kidnappers. 

According to a family source, the kidnappers have requested for N12 million ransom before the twins can regain their freedom while those who abducted Oladele are demanding N10 million as ransom from his family to be let off the hook.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti state Command, Caleb Ikechukwu said the incidents have been reported to the police, adding that every resource was being deployed by the police to ensure that those held hostage are freed.

“The command is aware of the kidnap incidents along that route. We have deployed all our resources particularly our personnel to be on the trail of these evil-doers. We are doing our best to ensure we locate them and set them free.

“Our concern is to free them and also arrest these evil men and bring them to justice,” he added.

When asked whether the police are working in tandem with the victims’ families, the PPRO said: “That is not our concern. Even if the families fail to tell us, we must do our work since the police are already aware.”