The kidnappers of players of two Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL, club sides, Enyimba of Aba, and Abia Comets have demanded N20 millions for the release of the players.
Dayo Ojo of Enyimba and Benjamin Iluyomade of Abia Comets were both kidnapped on Sunday after teams had gone on vacation due to Covid-19 virus incident.
The duo, who were former players of the Sunshine Stars FC of Akure, were kidnapped at Ipele town on Benin-Akure Expressway in Owo Local Government Area of the state.
Football Club can announced Sunday that midfielder Ekundayo Ojo has been abducted by gunmen along the Benin-Owo expressway.
“The incident occurred on Sunday, March 22 as the player journeyed to Akure to observe a break following the suspension of the Nigeria Professional Football League amid concerns over the global pandemic, Covid-19.
“Ojo was in the company of Enyimba teammate Emmanuel James, as well as Benjamin Iluyomade, also a professional footballer. While James escaped the attack, Iluyomade was captured alongside Ojo.
“Enyimba FC has since maintained close contact with Ojo’s family, as efforts are already in place to ensure the player’s release from his abductors.
“At this time, and considering the sensitivity of the incident, Enyimba Football Club wishes to call on members of the media to refrain from reports or speculations capable of jeopardising the player’s safety.
“Ojo’s family also wishes to appeal for privacy while enjoining the general public to pray for the safety and freedom of the player.”
News Agency of Nigeria reports that a family source who does not want his name mentioned told newsmen that the kidnappers made contact some hours after the abduction to demand N100 million on Sunday.
He later revealed that they had reduced their demand to N20 million on Monday which they were still begging and hoping they would still reduce.
The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Tee-Leo Ikoro, who confirmed the incident, said the Police were already on the trail of the hoodlums.
Ikoro said one of the players, who managed to escape, has been rescued by officers of the State Police Command.
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