The abductors of the former Speaker of the Ondo State House Assembly, Victor Olabimtan, has reduced their ransom demand to N5 million after a "serious and tough" negotiation with his family members, an aide informed SaharaReporters on Tuesday.
The abductors of the former Speaker of the Ondo State House Assembly, Victor Olabimtan, has reduced their ransom demand to N5 million after a "serious and tough" negotiation with his family members, an aide informed SaharaReporters on Tuesday.
The aide who spoke under the condition of anonymity told SaharaReporters that the abductors spoke "extensively, using different mobile lines" late on Monday night to negotiate with the family for the quick release of the former speaker.
According to the aide, the kidnappers had initially demanded the ransom of N20 million naira but later reduced the price to N5 million after the family had pleaded for leniency considering the economic hardship in the country.
"These boys [the kidnappers] gave us a tough time. It was a serious of negotiation. We had to start begging them to release Mr. Olabimtan, pricing the freedom of a fellow man like pricing food stuff.
"They were initially demanding for N20 million but they asked us how much do we have before they finally concluded we should pay N5 million for the quick release of our darling leader.
"Right now, the family is reaching out to political associates and friends in order to raise the fund. But, I know by the grace of God, our leader would return very unhurt", he said.
The media aide to Mr. Olabimtan, Zadok Emmanuel, confirmed the latest story to SaharaReporters noting that the family has begun sourcing for the money.
"Yes, they have asked us to pay N5 million naira for his quick release. We are trying to rally assistance because I know we cannot get any help from the State government", he said.
Victor Olabimtan, an ex-speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly was abducted by men in fake military uniforms on Sunday night at Kwale road on his way to Abuja for a political meeting. He had recently declared his intention to contest for the Governorship seat of the State.
Meanwhile, the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Isaacs Kekemeke, has denied any political attachment to the abduction of the erstwhile Speaker of the Ondo State Parliament.
Mr. Kekemeke, in a statement issued to journalists in Akure, on Tuesday, said the people of the State should not draw any hasty conclusions by attaching a political motive to the abduction incident.
"Those who carried out this evil act on a senior citizen of the country are the enemies of the State and they should be reprimanded.
"Criminality and kidnapping should not be a way out on the altar of unemployment or anger with the system," Mr. Kekemeke stated.
The APC chair added that the people of the State need to join hands with the government and law enforcement agencies to ensure the speedy return of Mr. Olabimtan to his family.