Kidnappers take two farmers in Ondo

Two farmers were kidnapped by suspected gunmen in the Oke-Ifira/Idogun forest area of Akoko South-East Local Government Area in Ondo State.

A relative of one of the kidnapped farmers shared this news during a phone-in radio show on Tuesday in Akure, the state capital.

The family member said the kidnapping happened on Saturday. They reported the incident to the police and Amotekun Corps in the area.

“The abductors are demanding a N10 million ransom for their freedom,” the family member stated.

Police Public Relations Officer for the Ondo State Command, Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed the incident to journalists in a statement on Tuesday.

Mr Jimoh said the police were not aware of any ransom demand related to this case. He mentioned that a joint security team made up of Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, local hunters, Agbekoya operatives, and community volunteers has been sent to the area.

“The Ondo State Police Command wants to address the reports about the kidnapping of farmers in the Oke-Ifira/Idogun forest area 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 ongoing. All available resources are being used to locate the victims and catch the kidnappers.

“Meanwhile, the command wants to clearly state that it does not know about any ransom demand in this case,” he said.

Mr Jimoh also asked anyone with useful information to help the search and rescue efforts to share it with the police as soon as possible.