Gunmen kidnap two farmers in Ondo, demand N10m ransom

Suspected gunmen have abducted two farmers in Ifira, an agrarian community in Akoko South-East Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Sources said the victims were ambushed on their way to the farm and taken into a nearby forest by the attackers.

A family member of one of the victims confirmed that the incident has been reported to both the police and the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun.

According to the source, the kidnappers have contacted the families and are demanding a ransom of N10 million for the victims’ release.

“We’ve reported the incident to the police and the Amotekun Corps. We’re appealing to the government and security agencies to help rescue our relatives unharmed,” the family member said.

Reacting to the development, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, confirmed that a report of missing persons was received at the Isua Akoko Divisional Headquarters.

He disclosed that a joint security team comprising the police, Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, local hunters, Agbekoya operatives, and community volunteers has been deployed to the Oke-Ifira/Idogun forest axis.

“Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with all available operational and intelligence resources being deployed to locate the victims and apprehend the perpetrators,” Abayomi said.

However, he noted that the command is not aware of any ransom demand linked to the incident.

“The Command wishes to categorically state that it is not aware of any ransom demand in connection with this case,” he added.

Abayomi appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could assist the rescue efforts, assuring that all tips would be treated confidentially.

He reaffirmed the police command’s commitment to ensuring the safe return of the victims and bringing those responsible to justice, while urging residents to remain calm and vigilant.