The Secretary of Okeluju Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Akoko North-West Local Government Area of Ondo State, Honourable Joseph Kayode Aladesuyi, who was abducted by suspected bandits earlier this week, has regained his freedom after spending several days in captivity.
Aladesuyi, an Irun-Akoko-born politician and agro-investor, as well as the Chief Executive Officer of JOTINA Farms, was kidnapped on Monday at his farm located in the Kajola axis of Ilu-Abo in Akure North Local Government Area, near the Akure Airport.
According to family sources, the gunmen stormed the farm and abducted the council secretary alongside two other persons, taking them to an unknown destination.
His abduction sparked tension within political circles and communities in AkokNorthwestst and Akure North, with relatives, friends, and associates expressing concern over his safety.
A source within the family confirmed to journalists that Aladesuyi has now been released after the payment of an undisclosed ransom to the abductors.
It was gathered that the kidnappers had initially demanded a ransom of N100 million for his release.
Family members disclosed that the abductors made contact around 7 a.m. on Tuesday, a day after the incident, insisting on the huge ransom and leaving little room for negotiation.
“They contacted the family early in the morning and demanded N100 million for his release. It was a very tense situation for everyone,” a family source said.
Another member of the family, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, described the period following the abduction as one of intense anxiety and uncertainty for relatives and associates of the council official.
“The past few days have been extremely difficult for the family. There was fear, anxiety, and sleepless nights as we waited and prayed for his safe return,” the source said.
Although details of the negotiations that eventually secured his release remain unclear, sources said an undisclosed amount of ransom was eventually paid before the kidnappers freed him.
As of the time of filing this report, Aladesuyi had reunited with his family and was said to be receiving medical attention following the traumatic experience.
The incident has again raised concerns over the rising cases of kidnapping and insecurity in parts of Ondo State, particularly in rural communities where farmers and residents have increasingly become targets of criminal elements.
Residents and community leaders have called on security agencies to intensify surveillance and operations around vulnerable areas, including farm settlements and remote communities, to curb the activities of kidnapper
