We Paid Ransom To Free Kidnapped Cocoa Farmers — Association
The Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN) says ransom was paid to secure the release of its two remaining members who were abducted during a visit to the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in Ibadan.
The association’s National President, Adeola Adegoke, said in a statement that the victims regained their freedom after their families met the kidnappers’ demands, contradicting claims that they were rescued.
According to him, the final group of abductees was released between midnight and 2:00am at an undisclosed location in Ogun State.
Their release came after two other victims, Apostle William Solomon and Rufus Megbowon, were earlier freed on health grounds in what the association described as a “divine arrangement”.
In the statement, CFAN said the five members of its Ogun State chapter were kidnapped during a familiarisation visit to CRIN last Wednesday.
Mr Adegoke said the association was relieved that all those abducted had now regained their freedom, although he did not disclose the amount paid as ransom.
However, Chairman of Oluyole Local Government Area, Akeem Olatunji, gave a different account, saying the victims were rescued through a joint operation involving the police, the Department of State Services (DSS), Amotekun and local vigilante groups.
He said the victims had since been handed over to the police, adding that the operation was coordinated by Oyo State’s Security Adviser, retired Commissioner of Police Fatai Owoseni.
Abiodun Ogunrinde is a Linguist and Journalist with considerable years of experience in Print Journalism. He blends creativity with a sense of reporting that addresses public concern and human interests.
