Suspected kidnappers have abducted three farmers, including two women, at Agbaje community in the Ala-Elefosan area of Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The victims were reportedly working on their farmland in the agrarian community when the gunmen stormed the area and whisked them away to an unknown destination.
A family member of one of the victims, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the abductors had contacted the families and demanded N5m ransom for each of the captives, bringing the total ransom to N15m.
The source said the incident had been reported at the Ala Police Station and to the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun.
He said, “We were thrown into confusion when we learnt that my brother's wife, Funke Falolu, and two others had been kidnapped while working on the farm. They left home as usual, but they never returned.
“The kidnappers have contacted us and insisted that we must pay N5m for each victim before they can regain their freedom. We don't know where to raise such an amount.
“Our people can no longer go to their farms without fear. These criminals continue to operate in the forests, while innocent residents are left helpless. We are appealing to the government and security agencies to rescue the victims and restore security to our communities.”
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the command had commenced an investigation into the incident and assured residents that efforts were ongoing to rescue the victims and apprehend those responsible.
