Regent of Akungba Akoko in the Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State, Oluwatoyin Omosowon, who was abducted two weeks ago by gunmen, has regained freedom.
She was rescued by the police along with four other persons on Tuesday.
The others were a corps member, Azuibike Ijeoma; an Indian, T.J. Alex; a police officer, Obafe Sunday and one Aliu Abdujeli.
The victims were rescued by a combined team of security agents at Igbonla Village in the Owo Local Government Area of the state.
Two of the alleged kidnappers were arrested by the security operatives, while the leader of the gang, identified as Federal was reportedly killed while attempting to escape.
The arrested suspects were identified as David Ikpen, 52, and Lucky Simon, 35.
The Director of Department of State Service, Mr. Christian Ojobor, said the victims were rescued from the kidnappers’ den at about 5am.
Ojobor explained that the gang had members all over the country with strong network, adding that the victims were kidnapped from Abuja and different states, which included Ondo and Rivers.
“We realised that the same gang is operating in most of these places, but most of the victims were kept in Ondo,” he said.
While receiving the victims at the Government House, the state Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, said stiffer penalty awaited anybody caught in the act of kidnapping and other related offences.
Recounting her ordeal, the Regent said she was beaten and manhanded by her abductors, adding that they released some of her aides so they could report at home.
She said, “They took us into the bush and we had to trek for hours before we reached a location around the Akure – Owo Road in the middle of the night. They hit my head with an object and blood started gushing out; they also asked us to lie on the floor.
“We were taken to another forest where they released my secretary and one security officer. The kidnappers instructed them to go home and inform the people about my abduction.
“We were tortured and had to walk through a swampy place and river before getting to where we were finally kept. They demanded N200m ransom.
“They told me that I have been delaying the process of selecting another king for the town and I should contact Mimiko to pay the ransom.
“Many other victims were brought to the forest. Some were released, while others were taken away to another place. I fasted for days praying to God to touch their heart. But thank God the security operatives rescued us before they could carry out their threats.”
The corps member, who graduated from the Ekiti State University, said she boarded the kidnappers’ vehicle while travelling from Abuja to Lagos, after finishing at the orientation camp.
She narrated that after travelling some kilometres, the driver diverted into the bush and she did not know where they took them to.
She said, “Initially they asked for the job of my parents. Later, they called my mum and demanded N10m or they would not see me again.”
However, one of the suspects, Ikpen David, said he was only a driver to the head of the group who was killed.
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