By Uche Mbah
The people who abducted a retired United States Army officer, Major Jide Ijadare, from his Palm oil factory, located along Ijan-Ise Ekiti road, have demanded a N20 million ransom.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Ijadare and one of his staff members were abducted by gunmen at Ijan Ekiti, Gbonyin Local Government area, of Ekiti State, on Tuesday. They were taken to an unknown destination.
On Wednesday, the abductors contacted the family, demanding for the sum of N20 million.
There has not been any official US reaction to the abduction. The abducted Major is a US official.
A man identified as a contractor with the factory was shot dead by the kidnappers during the broad day attack.
A member of Ijadare’s family confirmed to journalists on telephone, Wednesday, that the abductors had contacted one of them and demanded N20 million ransom.
“Yes, they contacted one of the family members this morning (Wednesday) and demanded the sum.
“Though, the matter has been reported to the police since life was involved, and they are also doing their own bit to ensure that the abducted are released on time.”
However, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti Command, Sunday Abutu, said the command was not aware of any ransom demand by the abductors.
“We are not aware of any ransom being demanded by the abductors. But our men are in the bush combing everywhere to ensure their release.
“The Police Commissioner, Babatunde Mobayo, has deployed different units of police operatives to the factory, and the surrounding forests.
“We are assuring the people that the abductees will be released safe and sound and in good health, but we appeal to the public to give us useful information that can help our men and other local hunters we are working with.”
The retired military man’s abduction came barely 48 hours after the Director, General Administration with the Local Government Service Commission, David Jejelowo, was shot dead in front of his wife, by assailants.
Jejelowo was killed at his residence at Igirigiri, Odo Ado area of Ado Ekiti metropolis.
