Abducted Ekiti retiree regains freedom after N4.5 million ransom: Source

Israel Bamisaye was abducted while on his farm and dragged into the sprawling forest that surrounds the area by seven gun-wielding men.

Tosin Ajuwon • June 25, 2022

A retiree in Ekiti State, Israel Bamisaye, who was abducted by gunmen, has regained his freedom three days after he was kidnapped.

Mr Bamisaye, who retired as a Chief Pharmacist at the Ekiti Ministry of Health, was kidnapped on Thursday while working on his farm at Orin Ekiti in Ido/Osi LGA of the state.

He was said to have been dragged into the sprawling forest that surrounds the area by seven gun-wielding men.

Confirming his release in a chat on Saturday, a source in the family said Mr Bamisaye was released on Friday night after several negotiations with the abductors.

The source, who prefers to be anonymous, told Peoples Gazette that the retiree was released at a town near Kwara State.

“He (Bamisaye) was released late on Friday after a series of negotiations with the gunmen.

“We paid N4.5 million to secure his freedom after an initial demand of N10 million,” the source added.

Sunday Abutu, spokesperson for the Ekiti Police Command also confirmed the release of the victim when contacted.

“It is true. The retiree was freed yesterday (Friday) evening at exactly 10:00 p.m.,” Mr Abutu told the Gazette. He revealed that Mr Bamisaye was released at Obbo Aiyegunle, a border community in Kwara State.

Last year in July, four farmers were abducted while working on their farm at Ikosu Farm Settlement in Ikosu-Ekiti, Moba Local Government Area.

The incessant kidnap cases in Ondo and Ekiti States in Nigeria’s South-West, has continued to create fears among residents in the region.

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