Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti
A retired United States of America army officer and and a native of Ijan Ekiti, Gbonyin Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Mr Jide Ijadare, who was abducted four days ago has regained freedom from his abductors.
Ijadare, who was kidnapped around 2.05 pm on Tuesday, was released after four days in captivity.
The former US army officer was kidnapped at his palm oil producing factory on Tuesday alongside one of his staff.
A contractor working with the factory was also shot dead by the assailants.
A family source told journalists via telephone conversation that Ijadare regained his freedom after paying the ransom demanded by the kidnappers.
The same source had on Wednesday revealed that the abductors had called few hours after the kidnapping and demanded N20 million ransom.
“My brother was released this afternoon around 4.15pm and he has reunited with the family.”
The Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti Command, Sunday Abutu, confirmed that the abductees had been freed
He, however, said the police were not aware of any ransom being paid before Ijadare’s release.
“We are not aware of any ransom being paid. We believe he was released after the pressure the security agencies and local hunters piled up by combing the surrounding bushes.”