Victims of the Ekiti bus abduction regain freedom after paying ransoms of up to N2 million. Released in Ondo forests after a harrowing ordeal.
[dropcap]P[/dropcap]assengers abducted from a commercial bus in Ekiti State last week have been freed in a forest near Ago Paanu, Ondo State, after paying ransoms ranging from N1 million to N2 million.
The kidnappers, three armed men reportedly from Niger Republic, ambushed the bus near Emure-Ekiti, targeting passengers travelling from Onitsha to Ekiti State.
Also read: Nine passengers reportedly kidnapped along Emure-Ekiti road
The bus driver, Sunday Emmanuel, narrated the ordeal. He disclosed that the incident occurred five minutes after passing a military checkpoint near Emure-Ekiti.
The gunmen fired warning shots, forcing the vehicle to stop. While two passengers managed to escape, the rest were herded into the forest, trekking overnight to their captors’ hideout.
Emmanuel shared, “The kidnappers were heavily armed and led us through dense bush paths where cattle are herded.
We were given garri mixed with red oil and water to survive. Although they didn’t harm us physically, the bruises from trekking were painful.”
The victims endured days of captivity, facing constant fear while the kidnappers negotiated ransoms with their families. Emmanuel revealed he paid N1.5 million for his release, while other passengers paid between N1 million and N2 million.
Despite the harrowing experience, the abductors spared the female passengers, including a corps member. The victims were finally freed on Christmas Day, abandoned near a community in the Owo area of Ondo State, where locals helped them.
The incident underscores the growing insecurity along Nigeria’s highways, as even areas near military checkpoints are not immune to attacks. Victims expressed relief but also called for increased security measures to prevent future abductions.
Source: Read more at freelanews.com
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
