Ekiti: We’re working hard to ensure safe release of kidnapped businessman – Police chief

From Priscilla Ediare, Ado-Ekiti

The Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Mr Mobayo Babatunde, has assured that the police will work with other security agencies in the state to secure the release of a businessman, Mr Happiness Ajayi Okunola, who was kidnapped by unknown gunmen.

Okunola was abducted on Christmas Day around 6 pm alongside one Oluwaseun Fatile between Isan-Iludun road while travelling on that route.

But for the quick intervention of the police, Amotekun Corps and some hunters, Fatile was rescued after the captors were given a hot chase into the bush, while Okunola was taken by his abductors.

Speaking with reporters in Ado-Ekiti on Monday, the police chief, who spoke through the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Abutu, said the police are working hard to ensure Okunola is released safe and sound.

‘The police are making concerted efforts. We are combing the expansive forest from Isan, Iludun, Eda Oniyo up to Kwara border.

‘We won’t rest until the man is let off the hook, because we won’t allow criminals to begin to profit from this kind of crime.’

Abutu added that the abductee’s family has not in any way informed the police that millions of naira were being demanded as ransom.

‘We are not aware of this. We are only working on available information we got through intelligence gathering. We are closing in on them and people should rest assured that the man will be brought home unhurt.’

It was gathered that 24 hours after Okunola was kidnapped, the abductors contacted the family and demanded a sum of N100 million for his release.

It was reliably informed that the abductors later reduced the humongous amount to N10 million and subsequently N2 million.