Two farmers have been kidnapped by suspected gunmen in the Oke-Ifira/Idogun forest axis of Akoko South-East Local Government Area in Ondo State. The incident occurred on Saturday, and a family member disclosed the development during a phone-in radio programme on Tuesday in Akure, the state capital.
Ransom Demand and Police Response
The relative stated that the abductors are demanding a N10 million ransom for the release of the victims. However, the Ondo State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, a deputy superintendent of police, confirmed the kidnapping but said they are not aware of any ransom demand.
“The command can confirm that a report of missing persons was received at the Isua Akoko Divisional Headquarters,” Jimoh said in a statement on Tuesday. He added that a joint security team comprising personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, local hunters, Agbekoya operatives, and community volunteers has been deployed to the affected area for search and rescue operations.
Ongoing Search Operations
“Search and rescue operations are currently ongoing, with all available operational and intelligence resources being deployed to locate the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Jimoh stated. He appealed to anyone with credible and actionable information to share it promptly with the police to assist the efforts.
The police clarification came after reports of the kidnapping and ransom demand circulated. The command emphasized that it is not aware of any ransom demand in connection with this incident. The joint security team continues to comb the forest area in search of the missing farmers.
