Taiwo Popoola
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 Newsmen on Monday, Adeleye said the farmers were kidnapped 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 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.
