A couple abducted last Friday in the Ilu-Abo community of Ondo State have regained their freedom after a ransom of N5 million was paid to their captors.
The victims, identified as Mr. Jamiu Olawale and his wife, were kidnapped shortly after returning home from their shop, when gunmen reportedly stormed their residence and whisked them away.
They spent four days in captivity before being released on Tuesday night.
A family relative, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed their release and said the couple has since been reunited with their loved ones.
“Jamiu and his wife were freed by their captors on Tuesday night and are now safe with their family,” the source said.
According to reports, the kidnappers initially demanded N40 million but later reduced the amount to N12 million during negotiations, eventually agreeing to accept N5 million for the couple’s release.
The abduction intensified fears among residents of Ilu-Abo and surrounding communities in Akure North Local Government Area, where incidents of kidnapping and armed attacks have been increasingly reported in recent months.
Ondo State police authorities had earlier confirmed the abduction and deployed tactical operatives to search surrounding forests in an effort to rescue the victims.
Their successful release brings relief to the community and underscores ongoing security challenges in the area.
