Pretoria - Kidnappers are demanding over R9 million to release two Nigerian soccer players who were abducted on Sunday on their way to Akure in Ondo State, the Premium Times reported.
The Nigerian publication said that Dayo Ojo a midfielder for Enyimba FC, was travelling with Benjamin Iluyomade, a second division player for Abia Comets FC, when they were attacked by unknown gunmen.
According to reports the soccer players were travelling home to Akure after the suspension of the Nigerian Professional Football League due to Covid-19 outbreak.
A third teammate Emmanuel James, who was travelling with the men, managed to escape unharmed, reported football magazine, KickOff.
"We were travelling on the road when the gunmen came out from the bush and attacked us. They shot sporadically before abducting some people in the vehicle including the two players, but I managed to escape,” he was quoted saying.
Premium Times reported that sources close the families of the players said the kidnappers were initially demanding over R400 million when they first called on Sunday. The kidnappers later reduced it to just over R9 million after a plea from the families.
Ondo State Police Command confirmed the kidnapping and said that it had deployed officers to investigate.