The Vice Chairman of Ifedayo Local Government Area of Osun State, Debo Farounbi, has remained in captivity 22 days after he was abducted by suspected gunmen in Ora, a border community between Osun and Kwara states.
Farounbi was kidnapped on the night of June 9 alongside three other persons. The assailants, however, reportedly abandoned the remaining victims after security personnel and local vigilantes confronted them during a gun battle.
Sources familiar with the incident said the abductors later contacted the victim's family and demanded N200m as ransom for his release.
A family source, who requested anonymity, disclosed that prolonged negotiations had led to a reduction of the ransom to N50m, but relatives were yet to secure the amount.
The source further alleged that the kidnappers forwarded recent photographs of the council official to members of his family to mount pressure for payment, heightening fears about his condition.
Expressing concern over the delay in securing his release, the source said the family was becoming increasingly worried, adding that there appeared to be little progress in the rescue operation.
Reacting to the development, the spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, said efforts to rescue the victim were still ongoing. He maintained that the command was not aware of any discussions involving ransom payment.
The police spokesman also revealed that two suspects arrested in connection with the abduction had been arraigned and remanded in a correctional facility after investigations, assuring that security operatives would continue working towards the safe release of the abducted council vice chairman.
0 Comments