The seven farmers who were abducted on Saturday from their farms in Itaogbolu, Akure North Local Government Area, Ondo State, have been released.  The victims were taken away by gunmen who attacked them while they were working on their farms.  

After being held captive for five days, the seven farmers were freed on Wednesday night, according to a relative of one of the abductees who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday under the condition of anonymity.

“I’m happy to tell you that the kidnappers released all seven farmers on Wednesday night. They are back to their families.

“I want to let you know that when the kidnappers demanded ransom, which was N100 million initially before it was reduced to N20 million, we were only able to raise N5 million.

“They were released in Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti, on Wednesday night after collecting the N5 million and food items.

“The victims are now in the hospital for medical attention,” he said.

NAN's attempts to contact Mr. Adetunji Adeleye, the state commander of Amotekun Corps, were futile since his cell phone was unanswered.  

"I'm not aware of their release," stated DSP Olushola Ayanlade, the state's Police Public Relations Officer, when reached.

Source