Suspected kidnappers have released six of their victims abducted from Ugbugbu-Atamaka road in Owukpa, Ogbadibo LGA of Benue State.
The suspects had earlier demanded N500,000 each as ransom before setting their victims free, threatening that by 10 am of Tuesday, they would be killed if the ransom was not paid.
Those kidnapped initially were seven, but one of the victims was released due to his health condition.
The local vigilantes had earlier recovered some of the motorcycles of the victims and had carried out a search in surrounding forests and bushes.
In an audio conversation obtained by AFRIPOST, the abductors threatened to kill their victims before 10 am if the requested ransom was not paid.
The voice said:
“You will come and carry their dead body if you don’t bring the money before 10 am.”
AFRIPOST, however, gathered on Tuesday night that the kidnappers released their victims after the payment of N400,000 ransom for all the victims.
According to a family source, the ransom was dropped around a forest close to Eha Amufu and the victims were on their way home as at press time.
AFRIPOST gathered that majority of those abducted were on their way from a local market, Ahor-Ogbo, while others were going for a marriage ceremony when they were taken by their abductors.
Those abducted Sunday evening include Onyechi Onuh, John Ameh, Agnes Ikwuta and 4 others.
The incident which happened 6pm followed an earlier incident of abduction of a security guard at Anumachogwu in Ugbugbu.
A security man manning the gate of a top businessman (name withheld) was abducted and a ransom of 20 million Naira has already been demanded by the abductors.
The security guard has not been rescued yet.
When AFRIPOST reached the local vigilante Monday morning, our correspondent was told that 3 motorcycles of some of the victims including other things had been recovered from the forest in the area.
A community member who does not want his name in print also alleged internal collaboration, saying unless there is a raid in the community to arrest elements who are bringing in the kidnappers, the situation will remain the same. According to him, the abductors are not Fulani herdsmen, urging the community to look inwards. When AFRIPOST reached out to the community national Chairman, Igoche Anthony, he confirmed the release of the victims.
The police is yet to react or make a statement on the release of the victims.