Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted Wale Oluyi, the owner of Daisi Oluyi Farms, and his manager from their farm in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State. The incident took place around 11 p.m. on Thursday, when a group of assailants stormed the farm near Ogbese, firing sporadically before kidnapping the victims.
Family sources have confirmed that the kidnappers are demanding a ransom of N30 million for their release. Friends and family members of the victims have reportedly started contributing funds to secure their freedom, hoping to raise the amount demanded by the abductors.
The abduction was promptly reported to the Ala Elofosan Police Station, with authorities investigating the incident. It is not yet clear whether any specific group is behind the kidnapping, but the state has witnessed an increase in such criminal activities, particularly in rural areas.
The incident has raised alarm in Ondo State, which has previously been regarded as one of the more peaceful states in Nigeria. The abduction of Oluyi and his manager highlights the growing concerns over rising insecurity in the state, which has seen a number of kidnappings in recent months.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, while addressing the issue, vowed to take strong action to eliminate criminal elements in the state. Speaking at a critical stakeholders’ meeting in Akure, the governor reassured residents that his administration would not allow Ondo to become a haven for criminals.
“We will not allow Ondo State to become a haven for criminals. While we welcome all law-abiding Nigerians who wish to live and conduct legitimate business here, we will not tolerate individuals disguising themselves as farmers while using our forests as hideouts for illegal activities such as kidnapping and other crimes,” Aiyedatiwa said.
He highlighted that his administration would use all available resources to root out criminal gangs operating in the state, ensuring that the peace Ondo is known for would be maintained. The governor also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, and village heads across the state to remain vigilant and work closely with security agencies.
“Whenever you notice any suspicious movement, alert the security agents immediately. If you see something, say something. Security is a collective responsibility for everyone,” Aiyedatiwa added. He also announced that he would soon meet with traditional rulers to discuss ways to further enhance security and address the rising insecurity affecting the state.
The governor’s comments reflect growing concern over the surge in criminal activities across Nigeria, particularly in the southern regions. In recent months, there have been several reports of kidnappings for ransom in Ondo and neighboring states, sparking fears among residents and business owners.
The kidnapping of Wale Oluyi, a prominent farmer in the state, has drawn particular attention due to his position in the local economy. His farm, Daisi Oluyi Farms, is one of the well-known agricultural businesses in the area, and the abduction of both him and his manager has left many worried about the impact on the community and the safety of other business owners.
While the police in Ondo State have yet to provide any major updates on the investigation, they have urged members of the public to remain alert and cooperate with authorities. Ondo’s Police Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami, did not respond to calls seeking further information on the case.
As the search for the victims and the kidnappers continues, the incident has sparked outrage among residents, who are calling for more action from security agencies to protect citizens from the increasing wave of kidnappings and other violent crimes.
The abduction of Oluyi and his manager is just the latest in a series of high-profile kidnappings across Nigeria, with criminals increasingly targeting farmers, business owners, and wealthy individuals. Kidnapping for ransom has become a major issue in the country, with criminal groups operating in various regions, including the southwest, where Ondo is located.
In the past, Ondo State has been praised for its relatively peaceful environment, which contrasts with the rising insecurity in other parts of the country. However, the recent surge in kidnappings and other criminal activities has raised concerns about the effectiveness of local security measures and the ability of the state government to protect its citizens.
Governor Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to addressing the security situation comes at a critical time when many Nigerians are calling for stronger action to tackle the problem of kidnapping and other forms of violent crime. The governor’s efforts to engage with traditional rulers and local leaders are seen as a positive step toward fostering better collaboration between government authorities and community members, which is vital in the fight against crime.
Meanwhile, residents of Akure and other parts of Ondo State are anxiously awaiting updates on the fate of Oluyi and his manager. There is growing pressure on security agencies to track down the kidnappers and bring them to justice, while also ensuring that such incidents do not become a common occurrence in the state.
The Ondo State government’s response to this kidnapping case could serve as a crucial test of its commitment to maintaining the state’s reputation as one of the most peaceful in the country. As calls for justice grow louder, the state’s security agencies will need to demonstrate their ability to effectively respond to such threats and restore public confidence in the safety of the region.
In the meantime, family members of the victims continue to pray for their safe return, while also working to gather the ransom money demanded by the kidnappers. The situation remains tense, and the outcome of this case could have significant implications for the ongoing battle against kidnapping in Nigeria.
