A man has shared the chilling details of his 42-day captivity after being kidnapped in Ekiti State, revealing that his family was forced to pay a staggering ₦17 million before he finally regained his freedom.
The victim, whose traumatic experience has since drawn widespread attention, recounted how what started as a normal day quickly turned into a nightmare that lasted more than six weeks.
According to his account, the ordeal began when he was suddenly ambushed by armed kidnappers who whisked him away to an unknown location. Blindfolded and terrified, he said he had no idea where he was being taken as the criminals transported him deep into what appeared to be a remote area.
For days, the victim said he was held in harsh conditions while the kidnappers began contacting his family, demanding a huge ransom for his release.
The initial demand, he explained, was extremely high, leaving his relatives in panic as they desperately searched for ways to raise the money.
During his captivity, the man said he lived in constant fear. He described how the kidnappers allegedly threatened him several times and repeatedly pressured his family to make payment quickly.
According to him, the criminals constantly monitored his phone conversations with relatives to ensure negotiations were ongoing.
As the days dragged on, his family struggled to gather the ransom. Friends, relatives, and well-wishers reportedly contributed money in a desperate effort to save his life.
After weeks of tension and negotiations, the kidnappers eventually received ₦17 million from the family.
However, the victim revealed that his freedom did not come immediately even after the payment was made.
He said he eventually managed to escape after spending a total of 42 days in captivity, though the circumstances surrounding the escape remain unclear.
The shocking story has sparked strong reactions, with many people expressing concern about the growing cases of kidnapping and ransom demands across parts of the country.
Security experts say the incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in several regions, where criminal groups increasingly target civilians for financial gain.
For the survivor, however, the experience remains a deeply painful memory. After more than a month of uncertainty, fear, and suffering, he now hopes his story will raise awareness about the dangers of kidnapping and the devastating impact it has on victims and their families.
