The five National Youth Service Corps members who were kidnapped by gunmen last week Thursday in the Ifon area of the Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State have regained freedom after reportedly paying N1 million each to the kidnappers.
The NYSC members, Oluwaseun Adewole, Feranmi Oluwadara, Patience Andrew, Taiwo Oribamise, and Lekan Ajayi, the victims, were released on Monday evening.
Sadly, the driver of the vehicle carrying the corps members and the woman who sat in front were killed. They were travelling from Onitsha to Akure after completing NYSC’s mandatory orientation camp when they were abducted.
Contrary to reports of N5 million ransom paid to secure their release, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Funmi Odunlami, said the kidnappers left the victims after a heated pursuit by the Nigerian police.
“The command has found victims of the Ose/Ifon area kidnapping that occurred on July 18, 2024.
“The victims were abandoned by their assailants after the police mounted pressure on the kidnapper.
“Policemen drawn from the tactical squad led by the Area Commander of Owo, ACP Olufemi Awoyale, continuous combing of the bush with sustained technical support frustrated the assailants and were forced to abandon the victims at Oyinbo/Sanusi Camp.
“The victims are currently being attended to at the Police Medical Services Owo and will be handed over to their family members after being debriefed.”