Kidnappers insist on N20m ransom for release of Nigerian footballers

 Abductors of two players in the Nigeria football league – Dayo Ojo of Eyimba and Benjamin Iluyomade of Abia, are insisting on the N20 million demanded for the release of the players.

The footballers were kidnapped on Sunday at Ipele in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State on their way to Akure, the state capital city. Nigerian leagues had gone on vacation due to COVID-19 pandemic.

They are both former players of the Sunshine Stars FC of Akure.

A family source said the kidnappers made contact some hours after the abduction to demand N100 million on Sunday.

It is understood that they later reduced their demand to N20 million on Monday which they were “still begging and hoping they would still reduce it further” but the kidnappers seem to be adamant of getting that amount.

Public Relations Officer, Ondo State Police Command, Mr Tee-Leo Ikoro, who confirmed the incident to the media, said the police were already on the trail of the criminals.

Ikoro said one of the players, who managed to escape, has met with by officers of the command.