Gunmen have abducted a farmer and a labourer in the Oke Oge community, located in the Oba Ile area of Akure North Local Government Area, Ondo State. The victims were reportedly seized on Saturday evening while returning from the Akure Airport, raising concerns among local residents.
Akogun Adetunji Adeleye, the commander of the state’s security network agency, Amotekun, confirmed the incident and assured the public that efforts were underway to rescue the victims. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Adeleye explained that his operatives had been dispatched to locate and free the hostages. “I can confirm to you that we are on top of the situation. They (the victims) were kidnapped while returning from the farm. Our men have been deployed to rescue them from the kidnappers’ den,” he said.
Sources close to the situation revealed that the abductors made contact with the families of the victims, demanding a ransom of N15 million for their release. The kidnappers reportedly insisted on this amount as a condition for setting the victims free. A family member confirmed the ransom demand, stating that the criminals were firm on the amount.
The abduction has raised alarm in the local community, with residents expressing fears over the increasing insecurity in the region. Ondo State, like many other parts of Nigeria, has been facing a rise in kidnapping incidents, particularly targeting farmers and rural dwellers.
Amotekun and other security agencies in the state have intensified efforts to locate the kidnappers and ensure the safe return of the victims. However, authorities have not yet disclosed whether any progress has been made in tracking the kidnappers or in negotiating for the release of the hostages.
As the situation develops, local residents remain on edge, hoping for a swift resolution and the safe return of the two abducted individuals.
