Five persons who were kidnapped in different parts of Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State have regained their freedom after ransom was reportedly paid to their abductors.
Among those released is a well-known businessman, popularly called Alhaji Chemical, who was abducted in Lafiagi town shortly after returning from Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
Others include a petrol station owner, Alhaji Abbas Daniyan, and his manager, Abubakar Issa, who were kidnapped in Ndeji town. Two children and a phone accessories trader from the Northern part of the country were also freed after being abducted in Gbugbu.
Although police authorities have not officially confirmed the ransom payment, family and community sources say money was paid to secure their release.
The recent spate of kidnappings in Edu LGA has raised serious concern among residents, who are calling on security agencies and the state government to take stronger action against rising insecurity in rural communities.
Kwara State has witnessed increasing cases of abductions in recent months, especially in areas bordering other states, where security presence is weak.
