Ekiti: JTF arrests two suspected kidnappers, recovers N3m ransom

AJoint Task Force established to protect the Kogi/ Ekiti border area, has arrested two suspected kidnappers that held four victims hostage for days. The JTF, comprising the military, police, Amotekun corps and local hunters, under operation Eradicate Bandit at the Borders of Rural Ajoni Communities ( EBBORAC), also recovered part of the N3 million collected from the victims.

A school principal, two teachers and a nurse, were last week abducted at IreleEkiti, in Ajoni Local Council Development Area ( LCDA) of Ekiti State, and taken to an unknown destination by the gun wielding kidnnapers. Three of the abductees were later freed upon payment of N3 million ransom, while one of them reportedly escaped from the abductors.

Chairman of Ajoni LCDA, Hon. Michael Ogungbemi, told newsmen, in Ado Ekiti, yesterday that the suspects were nabbed during a joint operation inside the sprawling forest at Irele- Kogi border area.

Ogungbemi said the operation became so terrific that the kidnappers hurriedly freed three victims from captivity, which provided a lead for the JTF to proceed with combing all forests in the axis.

“When they knew that the operatives were closing in on them, three victims in their possession were suddenly released this afternoon. This further provided a lead for the operation.

“Part of the ransom collected from the victims were recovered and the released victims are now in the hospital receiving medical treatments.

“The JTF also succeeded in apprehending two suspects, who are now undergoing interrogation and investigation by the police,” he said.

The Commandant, Amotekun Corps in Ekiti State, Brig Gen. Joe Akomolafe, confirmed the arrest.