Residents of Ekamarun in Ajoni Local Government Area of Ekiti State have been thrown into mourning following reports that suspected kidnappers demanded ransom before releasing the body of a woman who allegedly died while in captivity.
The victim, described as a middle-aged woman, was reportedly killed after being assaulted by armed men believed to be behind a series of attacks across communities in the area.
Community sources said the abductors initially requested ₦1.5 million alongside hard drugs and cartons of canned beer before permitting the family to retrieve the corpse, prompting villagers to contribute money to secure her remains for burial.
Locals further alleged that the gunmen later abducted four men shortly after releasing the body and made another disturbing demand, asking for two virgins in exchange for the victims’ freedom.
The affected communities Itapaji, Iyemero, Oke-Ako, Irele, Ijowa and Ipao said residents now live in fear as farming and daily economic activities have been disrupted by repeated security threats.
In a petition sent to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji, community leaders warned that the situation could escalate if urgent security measures were not taken.
The letter, endorsed by representatives of the affected towns including Abimbola Omotoyinbo, Olubola Adeoye, Tosin Babalola, Chief Kehinde Abejide, Femi Bodunde, Joseph Osanipin and Bayo Dada, appealed to authorities to deploy adequate security personnel to restore peace and prevent further tragedies.
