Gbenga Ibikunle, a businessman who was abducted with his wife in Uso, along Akure-Owo road,has denied reports that the duo were rescued by the police, adding that they were freed after the payment of N2 million ransom.
Recall that the businessman and his wife, who were kidnapped by gunmen in Uso, Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State, last Tuesday regained their freedom after spending 72 hours with their abductors.
The couple faulted the claims by the police that they were rescued from the kidnappers’ den, describing it as a blatant lie. They said no security agency including Amotekun Corps were involved in securing their release.
Ibikunle explained that a sum of N2 million was paid to their abductors before they were released.
“I am surprised with the claims that we were rescued by the police. This is nothing but a lie coming from the pit of hell.
“I can say it boldly that no security agency came to our rescue. We were released around 1am after the ransom was paid to them,” Ibikunle said.
He added: “They collected the ransom along the road without any fear. In fact, they counted all the money before they released me to my brother, who brought the N2 million.
“We were in the bush with them for three good days without food. They treated us like criminals. They beat us with stick and cutlass.
“We met a man in their den, who was also released the same way we were. His own family parted with N10 million before he was released. At a point they wanted to rape my wife, but she tricked them that she was pregnant.”
Ibikunle who said his abductors are Fulani people lamented that Nigeria is in a big mess.
“We don’t have security in this country anymore.
“It is sad that our security agencies are not effective. The kidnappers carried out their operations with impunity. They boasted that they will kill any policeman that wanted to rescue us. I am weeping for this country because we are not safe. We can no longer travel,” he added.
Ibikunle and his wife were kidnapped while returning from an outing in Ebonyi State last week.The kidnappers left their three under age children and his car behind while they dragged him and his wife into the bush.
