I Was Forced To Sleep Under A Cocoa Tree - Ondo Regent

The Regent of Akungba Akoko, in Akoko Southwest Local Government Area (LGA) of Ondo State, Princess Oluwatoyin Omosowon, has regained her freedom. 

Princess Omosowon, who was abducted on the 2nd of June, was set free on Tuesday by her abductors from the combined efforts of the Joint Task Force (JTF). 

The JTF included men of the State Security Service (SSS), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Army (NA), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC). 

A member of the JTF, who was part of the rescued team told NairaNaijaNews correspondent in Akure that the Regent was freed at Arimagija, near a bush in Ifon, Ose LGA of the State. 

"The bush burst ‎out to Edo State and it was a thick one. We have to locate where they kept them and we shot sporadically to scared the kidnappers away," the security officer said. 

"A leader of kidnapper identified as "Mr. Federal" was shot dead during operation because he was dragging with one of our officers", he added. 

Freed alongside ‎the Monarch was an Indian citizen-Mr. Alex John, his mobile Police escort-Sunday Obafe, a Corps member- Miss Ijeoma Azubike, and a driver- Ali Abdujelili. 

Addressing Journalists, the Regent narrated how she was traumatized, bruised, and made to sleep under very hard conditions.

She disclosed that the kidnappers made ‎her to sleep under a Cocoa tree and blindfolded her for days. 

"I was hit on the head several times when they kidnapped me and I slept under the Cocoa tree. It was raining and I was drenched.

"The kidnappers blindfolded us and we couldn't see their face except their feet. They chained my leg and arms. I prayed inside of me that I would not die by reciting the book of Psalm inside the bible. 

"When it was 3 Am, they took us inside the thick forest. I think the place is very close to a sawmill because I perceived the sound of their big machine use in cutting logs of wood. 

"At the time, their second-in-command told me point blank that those who sent them message to kidnapped me had already paid them to kill me. I was very scared. 

"The second-in-command said it was because me (Princess Oluwatoyin) didn't want the community to have another king and that am on the throne enjoying the dividends. He added that they needed N200 Million ‎so that they would not kill me. 

"I replied him that I don't know anything about the Obaship tussle as the case is even in court. 

"‎They handcuffed me tightly and I was in pain. During that process, myself and the driver were together. 

"I had a terrible experience because I was maltreated. Although, their gang-leader had a little fear of God. Even, during interactions with them (kidnappers) they told me, they were into kidnapping because there is no job in the country.

She spoke further: "They gave me Rice and Eba to eat. Although, I am an Asthma patients, the boys (kidnappers) accorded me that respect of being a Regent. Sometimes, they would buy me drinks. But I go through fasting and prayers for the majority times.

"On Sunday afternoon, I called one of the kidnappers and told him that by Tuesday I would be going home. He was surprised ‎and looked at me foolishly and replied me back that 'hope they would have pay the money they demanded for before they released me from their den' but told him that I can't guarantee it. I thank God. I was freed today (Tuesday). God is merciful and wonderful" she said. 

Also, a ‎member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Miss Ijeoma Azubike abducted by the same gang said‎ she was kidnapped late last month on her way to Lagos. 

Miss Azubike, who graduated from the Ekiti State University (EKSU) and currently serving in Jigawa State also narrated her experience.

"I was travelling from Abuja to Lagos on 31st of May, which was on Sunday. I boarded a vehicle by the roadside. I never knew they were kidnappers.

"The experience was horrible. We were under the rain, so cold and had to sleep under the floor. We were beaten and I was handcuffed. They demanded N10 million from my parents. I thank God have been release", she said.

An Indian, Alex John, also said he was beaten severally and made to face difficult situations.

‎The two arrested suspects were: Lucky Smart, 35 year, and David Akpan, 52 year-old. 

It was gathered by NairaNaijaNews that Akpan always drove the kidnappers for their operations.