Kidnappers of some chiefs in Ondo State have contacted their families and demanded a ransom of N50 million for their release.

The kidnapped victims include a traditional chief, Mukaila Bello of Ikare Akoko in the Akoko North-East Local Government of the state. Others are Adeniran Adeyemo, Bashiru Adekile and Chief Gbafinro.

The driver of the vehicle conveying the victims escaped but was shot by the bandits who attacked them on Thursday along the Owo-Ikare Expressway.

A source said, “The bandits have contacted the families of the victims and demanded a huge sum of money, N50million, but the families are unable to raise the amount. This is the situation of things for now.”

A community leader and Jagunmolu of Ogbagi Akoko Group, Captain Lanre Adebambo (retd.), urged all Akoko community to synergise and collaborate to have a formidable security outfit that will make Akoko roads safe for travellers because of the position of Akokoland as the gateway to Ondo State.

The Public Relations Officer of the state police command, Funmilayo Odunlami, said the police and the local hunters and vigilante were still in the forest to rescue the victims.

“Our men and the local hunters and the vigilantes in the area are still in the bush to rescue the victims,” she said.