In a dramatic turn of events, Omoniyi Eleyinmi, a faculty officer at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) in Ondo State, has been released after enduring nearly a week in the hands of kidnappers. The Department of Education staff member regained his freedom on Sunday evening, sparking relief among his colleagues and family.
A colleague at AAUA confirmed Eleyinmi’s safe return, expressing profound gratitude for his survival. However, the release came at a steep cost, with a family source revealing that a substantial ransom was paid to secure his freedom. “My brother was only released after we raised and paid a significant sum to the kidnappers,” the source disclosed, noting that Eleyinmi was freed in a community near the Ondo State border.
The Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, stated that he could not immediately confirm the development but promised further updates as investigations continue.
Eleyinmi’s abduction occurred last Monday as he was returning home to Supare-Akoko after work. The incident is part of a troubling wave of kidnappings in Ondo State, which has seen a surge in such crimes in recent years.
In 2023, gunmen abducted a lecturer from the same university, demanding millions in ransom, while a 2024 attack on a commercial bus along the Akure-Ikere road left several passengers kidnapped, with families forced to pay hefty sums for their release.
These incidents highlight the growing audacity of criminal gangs in the region, often targeting vulnerable travelers and residents in rural areas. Despite occasional police operations, such as the 2022 crackdown on kidnap syndicates in Akoko, the persistent lack of adequate security presence continues to embolden attackers, leaving communities on edge.
