The three abducted relatives of an officer of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) who was killed by gunmen along Oke Ako road, Ajoni Local Council Development Area in Ekiti State, have regained freedom.
Newsmen gathered that the gunmen had demanded N30 million from the family of the three victims but released the captives – younger brother to the deceased NSCDC officer, his five-year-old child and an 11-year-old child, in a bush in Ayede-Ekiti, Oye Local Government after negotiation.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, confirmed their release, saying “Immediately the incident occurred, the Command set up special operatives to go after the hoodlums and ensure the safe release of those held hostage. The Command had been working with the family members through the Area Commander and DPO in charge of that jurisdiction.
“The joint operations that include the police and other security agents, as well as the Amotekun, not excluding their family members, have yielded this positive result. Meanwhile, the command is not aware of any ransom paid.”
However, according to a source, ”They were released this evening after the family paid about N5million in the bush in Ayede axis. Apart from that, they collected N100,000 for recharge cards, sachets of milk and alcoholic drinks. They added these on Tuesday as conditions for their release.
“They are being been taken to hospital for medical attention as I speak. We are happy we did not lose them as the gunmen killed the NSCDC officer.”