The Balogun twins, children of the Otun Olubadan of Ibadan land, Dr. Lekan Balogun, were released by kidnappers who seized them and their mother in front of family house in Akobo area of Ibadan last week.
The mother was dropped off while the kidnappers carried the sons away. The abductors then contacted the family with a ransom demand of N100m.
They reduced the amount to N40m at the weekend, when nothing was forthcoming they finally cut the price down to N10m on Monday.
Balogun has stated that they did in fact pay the N10m ransom preceding the release of his children.
Adekunle Ajisebutu, Police Public Relations Officer, Oyo State Command, verified the release and said efforts were being made to catch the suspected kidnappers.
He added that the children have been reunited with their parents.
The children were taken to an undisclosed hospital for medical check-up in Lagos following their release on Monday.
Balogun, confirming the release of the twins, expressed his happiness that they were released unhurt.
He also said that their mother, Funmilayo, went with the twins to Lagos and would be back in Ibadan soon.
He said, “It is true that a ransom of N10m was paid to the suspected kidnappers before they released my children. You don’t equate money with human lives.”
The twins’ mother, who was hospitalised and treated for shock after the abduction, said she was elated at the release after missing the children for seven days.
She said, “To say that I was happy and I’m still happy now is an understatement and I can’t be thankful enough to God almighty for protecting my children during the period; just as I thank everybody involved in the release of the children.”