The four travellers abducted by gunmen in Ondo State on Thursday have regained freedom.

The victims, who include a traditional chief, Mukaila Bello of Ikare Akoko in the Akoko North-East Local Government of the state, Mr Adeniran Adeyemo, Mr Bashiru Adekile, and Chief Gbafinro, were kidnapped by the hoodlums along Owo-Ikare expressway on Thursday.

The abductors were said to have contacted the victims’ families, demanding N50m ransom. It was gathered that the victims were released on Saturday.

A source said the victims were released along Owo-Akoko road on Saturday.

The source said, “The travellers kidnapped on Thursday evening, were released on Saturday evening on Owo-Akoko road and they have been taken to an undisclosed hospital for medical attention.”

The state police spokesperson, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed the release although she had yet to get the full details regarding the release.

Meanwhile, a traditional ruler, the Owa-Ale of Ikare Akoko, Oba Adeleke Adegbite-Adedoyin expressed joy over the release of his abducted chief and his other subjects. He further appreciated the state governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, his cabinet members, and security agencies for their efforts in securing the victims’ release.

The Oba said Akeredolu had committed a lot to improve the security architecture of the state, especially with the recent donation of well-equipped patrol vehicles to security agencies.

He advised the Federal Government and the people of the state to continue to support the state government and the security agents to make the state more secure.

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