A group of travelers abducted on the Emure-ile Road in Emure Local Government Area, Ekiti State, has been released after enduring days of captivity in the hands of ruthless kidnappers. The victims, including two women and a female corps member, were traveling back to Ado-Ekiti from Onitsha, Anambra State, when they were ambushed and taken by gunmen on Sunday night.
The kidnappers initially demanded a staggering N30 million per person but, after days of negotiation, released the hostages in the early hours of Wednesday following ransom payments ranging from N1 million to N2 million. The survivors, including the bus driver, Mr. Sunday Emmanuel, have shared their gripping stories of survival.
Mr. Emmanuel, who was freed on Christmas Day after his family paid N1.5 million, recounted how the abduction occurred just moments after the bus passed through a military checkpoint near Emure-Ekiti. He vividly remembered how the kidnappers, who appeared familiar with the area, led them on a treacherous trek through dense bush paths, only offering Garri mixed with red oil and water for sustenance.
Despite the harrowing circumstances, the victims were not physically harmed, though they endured bruises from the grueling journey. Emmanuel expressed relief and gratitude as he described how the kidnappers, claiming to be from Niger Republic, treated them with a certain level of detachment, never eating with them, but allowing them some rest during the long trek.
The release of these hostages highlights not only the human resilience and strength in the face of such terrifying situations but also the growing security concerns in the region, with criminals continuing to target vulnerable travelers. The community and authorities alike are left reflecting on the harrowing reality of such incidents as they search for solutions to combat rising insecurity on the roads.
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