Uncertainty In Ondo Over Fate Of Kidnapped Victims |The Source

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo state Police Command and families of some victims kidnapped last week are at loggerhead over the condition of the victims.

The Police  Command  came with  cheering news on Saturday that the victims had regained freedom through efforts by security agents.

Some family members of the victims reacted Sunday morning that their relations are still being held by their captors.

Among those that are still in the kidnappers den is the Iyaloja of Isua, in Akoko South- east local government, Mrs Hellen Edward with others that were kidnapped Thursday along Ogbese-Uso axis of Akure Owo highway.

The State Police command through its spokesman, Tee-Leo Ikoro, declared that it rescued some of the abducted travellers, but the family of the victims described the reported release as a farce.

One of the children of the  kidnapped Iyaloja, Mrs Alaba Edward, said family members are still relating with their mother in the kidnappers den  who appealed to them to look for money to pay the ransom demanded by the abductors to secure her release.

Mrs Alaba said that the 11million naira earlier demanded by the abductors has been reduced to five million naira, which the family is still struggling to raise.

The market leader is the only female among the victims, one escaped, five are still in captive.

There are fears among travelers especially along highways in Akoko and Owo/ Benin axis that despite the launching of the much publicised South West security network, code named Amotekun, traveling along these routes remain a nightmare.

A recent trip from Akure to Benin showed that the only security post along the route, which is always lonely, is a military post very near Ifon town, leaving travelers to their fate.