Ekiti: Abducted Retired US Soldier Released

Kidnappers have released Major Jide Ijadare, a retired United States of America Army officer.

Recall that Major Ijadare was abducted on Tuesday at his palm oil-producing factory located along Ijan-Ise road in Ijan-Ekiti, Gbonyin Local Government.

A contractor working with the factory was also shot dead by the kidnappers.

A family source told The Nation that the US army officer regained his freedom after paying the ransom demanded by the kidnappers.

The source had on Wednesday revealed that the abductors had called few hours after the kidnapping and demanded N20 million ransom.

“My brother was released this afternoon around 4.15pm and he has reunited with the family,” the source said.

Also confirming the retired army officer release, the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Sunday Abutu, said the police were not aware of any ransom being paid before Ijadare’s release.

“We are not aware of any ransom being paid. We believe he was released after the pressure the security agencies and local hunters piled up by combing the surrounding bushes.”