Tuesday, July 29, 2025 - The Ondo State Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, has confirmed the abduction of seven farmers in Itaogbolu, Akure North Local Government Area of the state.
It was gathered that the kidnappers are demanding a ransom of N100 million for
their release.
Speaking in a telephone interview with News Agency of
Nigeria, NAN, on Monday, Adeleye said the farmers were kidnaped on Saturday
while working on a farm and that a search-and-rescue operation is currently
underway.
“I can confirm the incident. Our men have been in the forest
since Saturday, and I personally joined the operation on Sunday. We are hopeful
that the victims will be rescued soon,” he stated.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olushola
Ayanlade, also confirmed the incident, noting that combined security operatives
are combing the forests to free the victims and arrest the perpetrators.
“Yes, there was a reported case of kidnapping in Itaogbolu
over the weekend. We cannot confirm the exact number of those abducted because
the rescue operation is ongoing, but we are doing everything possible to ensure
their safe return,” he said.
Sources in the community revealed that the victims were
harvesting palm fruits on the farm when they were attacked and whisked away by
the kidnappers.
According to one of the sources, the kidnappers contacted
some of the victims’ families on Sunday evening, demanding N100 million as
ransom.
“We didn’t hear from them until Sunday evening when the
kidnappers called one of the family members and demanded N100 million for their
release. Negotiations are still ongoing,” the source added.
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