The abducted National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State have been released.
The corps members were among the travelers kidnapped by bandits on Omi Afala road at Ifon last week.
Families of one of the victims confirmed that the corps members were freed after a ransom of N5 million was paid.
“They (corps members) were released today after we gathered five million for the bandits. Each of the victims paid one million each before they were set free,” one of the family members told The Gazette in a chat.
He added that the victims have been moved to the hospital where they are currently receiving treatment following the bruise and trauma they experienced in the kidnappers’ den.
When contacted for reactions, the police spokesperson in the state, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya confirmed the release of the abducted victims.
Ms Odunlami-Omisanya, who later issued a statement said the victims were abandoned inside the forests after the police mounted pressure.
She added that the victims were rescued and are currently in the hospital facility where they are receiving treatment.
“The command this day on the 22nd of July has found victims of the Ose/Ifon area kidnap which occurred on 18th July, 2024.
“The victims were abandoned by their assailants after the police mounted pressure on the kidnappers.
“Policemen drawn from the Tactical squad led by the Area Commander of Owo, ACP Olufemi Awoyale continuously 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,” her statement read.
It would be recalled that bandits waylaid the travellers on the notorious Omi Alafa road in Ifon, Ose LGA of the state, killing two persons and abducting some corps members.
