Some yet-to-be-identified gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on Sunday abducted no fewer than 32 travellers around Ifon in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The victims were reportedly returning from a burial ceremony in Edo State yesterday when the incident happened.
It is not yet established whether the kidnappers have reached out to the families of the victims for payment of ransom to secure their release.
The Public Relations Officer of Ondo Police SP Funmilayo Odunlami confirmed the abduction to Channels Television in a telephone chat.
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Odunlami however disclosed that one of the victims has been rescued and is now giving the police useful information regarding the incident, in a bid ton rescue other victims.
In another report, the Governor Rotimi Akeredolu-led-Ondo State Government has promised the citizens to reward anyone who volunteers to expose the identity of kidnappers as well as other criminal elements in the state as part of its efforts to combat insecurity with ₦50,000.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs. Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, made this decision known yesterday after the weekly State Executive Council meeting at the Governor’s Office, Alagbaka, Akure.
Ademola-Olateju pointed out that the development was meant to further encourage citizens to provide helpful and timely information about criminal activities in any part of the state.
‘Anyone who reports a crime and we follow the trail, and it results in a successful prosecution of the perpetrator, will now be offered a prize of 50,000 Naira,’ the Information Commissioner stated.
She went on to add that ‘We want people in Ondo state to say something when they see something.
‘We want our people to be proactive in the area of security to rid Ondo State of criminals, bandits and terrorists.’
Ademola-Olateju also added that the Council acknowledged the appreciation and commendation from the residents which followed the good initiative of the government to have a toll free line.
