Tragedy has struck in Emure, Ekiti State, where a young traveller, Shile Ogunmolasuyi, who was kidnapped on Saturday, has been confirmed dead, sparking widespread outrage and condemnation.
The kidnappers, who demanded a N30m ransom, released Shile’s mother, Mrs Yemi Ogunmolasuyi, and another woman, Caroline Taiwo, after a N10m ransom was paid.
However, Shile was not so fortunate. According to a community leader, she was repeatedly raped and left unable to walk, leading to her eventual murder.
“The kidnappers made them walk for 24 hours nonstop without food or water. Shile, who had been raped several times, became too weak to continue and was subsequently killed by the kidnappers,” the community leader revealed.
The victims were abducted near Oyimo River, along the Emure-Eporo Road, on Saturday around 5:30 PM. The kidnappers shot and killed Taiwo Oluwole, who was driving the car transporting the victims to Akure.
This is not the first time kidnappers have struck in the area. On January 29, pupils and teachers of Apostolic Faith Children School were kidnapped at the same spot. Five pupils, three female teachers, and a driver of the school bus were taken. Additionally, Mrs Atinuke, wife of a retiree, Albert Adanikin, was kidnapped on July 13 around the same area.
“Efforts are reportedly underway to locate Shile’s body and recover her remains,” said one of the family members.
Niyi Awopetu, Secretary of Emure Progressives Association, confirmed the release of the victims, stating, “Two people were released at midnight, but a girl among them was killed. I learnt the kidnappers collected N10m ransom.”
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, did not respond to calls or messages seeking his reaction to the development.