Kidnappers of Ondo traditional head, APC chieftain demand N50m ransom

Following the kidnapping of a traditional chief and three others in Ondo State two days ago, the abductors demanded N50 million in payment for the victims’ release.

According to a family member of one of the victims, the kidnappers contacted the victims’ families hours after their kidnapping.

High Chief Mukaila Bello, the Oniku of Iku quarters in Ikare-Akoko, the capital of the state’s Akoko North East Local Government Area, was abducted on Thursday night in the Ago-Panu axis along the Ikare-Owo expressway.

Along with Bello, they kidnapped Yeye Gbafinro, an All Progressives Congress (APC) leader and previous candidate for the Akoko North-East seat in the state House of Assembly, Hon. Adeniran Adeyemo, and Bashiru Adekile, a community leader.

The victims’ car came to a halt after the driver, who is presently receiving medical attention in an unnamed hospital, was shot in the head.

The victims were travelling from Akure to Ikare-Akoko in a Toyota Corolla automobile with the registration plate KAK 818 AE when the assailants opened fire.

According to the source, the families did not have the money to pay such a ransom, but they were still hopeful that the kidnappers would free the captives soon.

According to the source, Ikare Akoko, a historic hamlet, has been the site of fervent interdenominational prayers and fasting for the victims’ protection.

Lanre Adebambo, a security specialist and the Jagunmolu of Ogbagi-Akoko Group Captain, advised the Akoko community to collaborate and synergize so that strong security measures could be put in place.

Adebambo stated that the move will protect the Akoko roads for passengers and inhabitants due to the critical location of Akokoland as a gateway axis to the northern half of the country and the south-western regions.