A group of nine surveyors who had been abducted in Ondo about a week ago have been released by their abductors after a sum of ₦20 million ransom was paid to secure their freedom.

They were working in a field in Ilu-Abo, a community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, when unknown gunmen whisked them away on Saturday.

Four communities in the LGA, including Aba Alajido, Aba Sunday, Aba Pastor, and Ademekun, were attacked by gunmen, and scores of people were killed in the attack.

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According to Channels Television, the abductors initially demanded ₦100 million as ransom, but residents of the community, including market women, negotiated with them to reduce the ransom to ₦50 million.

A traditional ruler in Akure, Oluwole Omotayo, confirmed the release of the surveyors on Wednesday.

He noted that the rescued surveyors are in good health and have been reunited with their relatives.

On Tuesday, a group of market women led a demonstration to protest against the abduction of the surveyors, urging the Ondo State Government to secure their release.