Abductors on some travelers in Ondo state have demanded N90 million as ransom for their release.
The travellers were kidnapped along the Akure-Benin Expressway at Ifon in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State while coming from Edo State.
The victims were said to be returning from a burial ceremony in Ewatto, Edo State when they were attacked at Ifon, a border town between Ondo and Edo State.
Confirming the development, the Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, said the state government was not involved in negotiation.
She said payment of ransom further encouraged and empowered kidnappers to thrive in the illegal business.
The commissioner who said efforts were under way to secure the release of the victims, explained that 18 people were kidnapped on the fateful day but 9 escaped.
“Amotekun is working with the police, the DSS and the Nigerian Army to secure release of the remaining mine victims. They are demanding ransom of between N3m and N10m”, she said.
Also, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami, said men of the command were still in the forest together alongside other security agencies to ensure the other victims were rescued.
Writing by Annabel Nwachukwu