There is palpable relief in Otu, the headquarters of Itesiwaju Local Government in the Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State, following the release of Alhaji Muta, the trader abducted by suspected kidnappers at the weekend.
Alhaji Muta, who was abducted at around 8:00 pm on Friday at the town’s market square while with his wife in her shop
A reliable community source confirmed his release on Monday morning, stating that he has reunited with his family.
It was gathered that the victim was released without payment of ransom at around 8:20 am, although details of how his freedom was secured remain sketchy as at press time.
Recall that there was tension in Otu at the weekend following his abduction at the market square, with residents thrown into panic.
Following the incident, youths of the community who had been combing bushes in search of the victim apprehended a suspected herder allegedly linked to the incident and handed him over to officers of the Divisional Police Station in the town.
Angry youths had converged at the station in an attempt to mete out jungle justice on the suspect but were prevented by police officers on duty.
The youths called for the intervention of Fulani leaders in the community and security agencies in the state to ensure the safe release of the victim
The suspect apprehended in connection with the incident is said to still be in police custody for further investigation.
A community leader who disclosed anonymity urged the state government and security agencies to investigate the matter and take proactive measures to forestall future occurrences
Police authorities are yet to issue an official statement on both the abduction and the subsequent release.
