Kidnapped Footballers In Nigeria Freed

Two Nigeria footballers who were abducted on Sunday by gunmen along Benin-Owo expressway have been freed.

Enyimba International FC, for whom midfielder Ekundayo Ojo plays for, confirmed their release on Thursday with various reports saying the two “are safe and healthy and keen to join their loved ones”.

The eight-time Nigeria Professional Football League champions could not reveal whether a ransom had been paid to secure their release.

“Our midfielder man, Dayo Ojo has regained freedom from his kidnappers,” the club posted on the official Facebook page.

Ojo and Abia Comets’ Benjamin Iluyomade were kidnapped on Sunday by unknown assailants while driving on the Benin-Owo expressway following the suspension of footballing activities in the country over the Coronavirus pandemic.

In the raid, one of their friends Emmanuel James managed to escape and was able to alert the police.

The players are said to have informed their clubs that they were tortured by the kidnappers.

A ransom was demanded for the players but sources are uncertain whether the families paid it.

Kidnapping is a security concern for Nigeria and football personalities perceived as well off are often the targets of gunmen.