The retired United States of America army officer, Major Jide Ijadare kidnapped in Ekiti State has regained his freedom after the payment of undisclosed sum as ransom.
Recall that gunmen last Tuesday, invaded Ijadare’s palm oil factory along Ijan Ekiti – Ise Ekiti Road at Ijan in the Gbonyin council area of the state, shot dead one of his workers before whisking away the former soldier and one other person. The kidnappers contacted the family hours later and demanded N20m ransom.
A family source, who confirmed the development said that Ijadare was released on Saturday afternoon, September 19.
“My brother was released this afternoon around 4 .15pm and he has reunited with the family. He regained his freedom after paying ransom to the kidnappers based on a series of negotiations,” the source said.
However, the Police Public Relations Officer of Ekiti State Police Command, Sunday Abutu , who confirmed the release, said the police were not aware that any ransom was paid.
“We are not aware of any ransom paid. We believe he was released following the pressure security agencies and local hunters put on the kidnappers by combing the surrounding bushes.” said Abutu.
