Gunmen have kidnapped seven farmers in the Itaogbolu community of Akure North Local Government Area, Ondo State, and are demanding a ransom of ₦100 million for their release.
The Commander of the Amotekun Corps in the state, Adetunji Adeleye, confirmed the abduction, which occurred on Saturday while the victims were working on a farm. He said that a joint rescue mission is already underway.
“Our men have been in the forest since Saturday, and I personally joined the operation on Sunday. We are hopeful that the victims will be rescued soon,” Adeleye said.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, also confirmed the incident. He explained that combined security teams, including Amotekun, the police, and other operatives, are combing the forest to locate and rescue the kidnapped farmers.
Community sources revealed that the victims were harvesting palm fruits when they were suddenly attacked and taken away by the gunmen.
“We didn’t hear from them until Sunday evening when the kidnappers contacted one of the families and demanded ₦100 million,” a local source said, adding that negotiations are still ongoing.
This incident adds to the growing concern over rural insecurity in parts of Ondo State, where farmers have increasingly become targets of abduction. Authorities say they remain committed to ensuring the victims’ safe return and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
