JTF arrests two suspected kidnappers in Ekiti, recovers ransom

A Joint Task Force, JTF, established to protect Kogi/Ekiti border area arrested two suspected kidnappers that held four victims hostage for days.

The JTF, made of combined forces of the military, police, Amotekun corps and local hunters, under operation Eradicate Bandit at the Borders of Rural Ajoni Communities (EBBORAC), also recovered part of the N3 million collected from the victims.

A school principal, two teachers and a nurse were last week abducted at Irele- Ekiti, in Ajoni Local Council Development Area of Ekiti State, and taken to an unknown destination by gun-wielding abductors.

Three of the abductees were later freed upon payment of N3 million ransom, while one of them reportedly escaped from the abductors.

The chairman of Ajoni LCDA, Hon. Michael Ogungbemi, told journalists, in Ado Ekiti, on Thursday, that the suspects were nabbed during a joint operation inside the sprawling forest at the Irele-Kogi border area.

Ogungbemi said the operation became so intense that the kidnappers hurriedly freed three victims from captivity, which provided a lead for the JTF to proceed with the combing of all forests in the axis.

“When they knew that the operation was closing in on them, three victims in their possession were suddenly released this afternoon. This further provided a lead for the operation.

“Part of the ransom collected from the victims was recovered and the released victims are now in the hospital receiving medical treatments.

“The JTF also succeeded in apprehending two suspects, who are now undergoing interrogation and investigation by the police,” he said.

The Commandant, Amotekun Corps in Ekiti State, Brig Gen. Joe Komolafe, confirmed the arrest.

Akomolafe added that those arrested are now in police custody, while the freed victims have received adequate treatment in the hospital.

“I can confirm to you that two suspects arrested are being held by the police. Regarding the freed victims, they were initially taken to the hospital, but they have reunited with their respective families,” he stated.