The nine surveyors abducted in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State have regained their freedom, a week after they were kidnapped by gunmen while working on-site at Ilu-Abo.
The victims were released on Tuesday night following the payment of a ₦20 million ransom, according to Pastor Ajibade Owolanke, a relative of High Chief Oluwole Omotayo, the Ejeminkin of Akure. Owolanke confirmed that the surveyors had returned to Akure but refused to disclose their exact location.
Their release came hours after hundreds of women in Akure took to the streets in protest, condemning the rising cases of kidnappings in the state. The demonstrators, carrying placards with various messages, gathered at the residence of High Chief Omotayo to express their outrage.
The Ondo State Police Command has yet to issue a statement regarding the development.
