Kidnappers demand N20m to free ex-US Soldier

By Rasaq Ibrahim, Ado EkitiAbductors of an ex-US Army officer, Major Jide Ijadare, have demanded N20m ransom for his release.A member of Ijadares family source told The Nation the kidnapper made contact with one of them and demanded the ransom.The former military personnel and one of his staff were on Tuesday kidnapped around 2pm at his palm-oil farm in Ijan-Ekiti, Gbonyin council area of Ekiti State during which a contractor was shot dead.Ijadares abduction came barely 48 hours after a Director in Gbonyin Local Council area, Mr David Jejelowo was shot dead by assailants.Jejelowo was killed at his residence at Igirigiri, Odo Ado area of Ado Ekiti metropolis.The source, who does not want his name in print, said: Yes, they contacted one of the family members this morning (Wednesday) and they are demanding N20m as his release clause.Though, the matter had been reported to the police since life was involved and they are also doing their own bit to ensuring that the abductors are released in time.But Police Public Relations Officer, Ekiti Command, Mr.Sunday Abutu, said the command was not aware of any ransom being demanded by the abductors.We are not aware of any ransom being demanded by the abductors. But our men are in the bush combing everywhere to ensure his release.Abutu said the search to secure the release of the retired US army officer was still ongoing, saying the police Commissioner, Mr Babatunde Mobayo had deployed different units of police operatives in the factory and the surrounding forests.We are assuring the people that the abductees will be released safe and sound and in good health and we appeal to the public to give us useful information that can help our men and other local hunters we are working with.
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