Gunmen abduct two farmers in Ondo, demand N10m ransom

Kidnappers have demanded a N10 million ransom for the release of two farmers abducted along the Oke-Ifira/Idogun forest axis in the Akoko South-East Local Government Area of Ondo State, according to a family member of the victims. The family member, who spoke in Akure on Tuesday, said the farmers were kidnapped on Saturday while in the forest and that the incident had already been reported to both the Nigeria Police Force and the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps. According to the relative, the abductors have contacted the family and are demanding N10million before the victims can regain their freedom. “The abductors are demanding N10million ransom for their freedom,” the family member said. The development has heightened concerns over the growing wave of kidnappings targeting farmers and residents in rural communities across Ondo State. Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Ondo State Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the command received a report concerning the disappearance of the victims but stressed that it had not received any information about a ransom demand. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Jimoh said a coordinated search-and-rescue operation had already been launched involving multiple security agencies and local vigilante groups. He disclosed that a joint security team comprising personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, local hunters, Agbekoya operatives, and community volunteers had been deployed to the affected area to track down the abductors and rescue the victims. “The Ondo State Police Command wishes to clarify reports circulating regarding the alleged kidnapping of farmers in the Oke-Ifira/Idogun forest axis of Akoko. “The command can confirm that a report of missing persons was received at the Isua Akoko Divisional Headquarters. “Search and rescue operations are currently ongoing, with all available operational and intelligence resources being deployed to locate the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice." Jimoh explained that the command wishes to categorically state that it is not aware of any ransom demand in connection with this incident. The police spokesperson appealed to members of the public to support the ongoing operation by providing useful information that could lead to the rescue of the victims and the arrest of those responsible. He urged anyone with credible and actionable intelligence to promptly report such information to the nearest police formation.