The five kidnapped youth corps members abducted by gunmen along Ifon/Owo road have regained their freedom after spending four days with their abductors.

The victims were abducted on Friday around 10:40 pm while travelling from Anambra to Ondo state around the Ifon area in Ose local government area of the state.

The kidnappers, who shot dead the driver of the vehicle they were travelling with, and one other traveller, contacted the family of the victims, demanding N15m ransom to secure the victims’ freedom.

The victims include Adewole Paul Oluwaseun, Oluwadara Feranmi (f), Andrew Patience (f), Oribamise Taiwo (f), and Ajayi Lekan (m).

It was gathered from a family source that the victims’ family parted with N5m paid to the abductors after negotiation.

However, the police in the state on Monday, confirmed the release of the five victims, disclosing that they were abandoned by the kidnappers.

In a statement issued and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Funmi Odunlami, confirmed that the victims had been released.

Odunlami said the kidnap victims were abandoned in a place and were found by the police from the command.

The statement read: “The command this day on the 22nd of July has found victims of 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 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.” (Nigerian Tribune)

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