Gunmen abduct two farmers in Ondo, ask for N100m ransom

Two farmers were kidnapped in the Parubber community of Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Council Area in Ondo State while they were working on their farm on Friday.

The armed men came out from nearby bushes and overpowered the farmers before taking them away.

An eyewitness, Yemi Omowale, who managed to escape, said one of the kidnappers was masked and had an AK-47 rifle. He confronted one of the victims, Adetan Gbemi.

"Because we were not standing together, I saw him first. The attacker was masked and carrying an AK-47. Before I could raise an alarm, he had already moved toward Gbemi, and others emerged from different directions," he said.

Mr Omowale, who ran away during the incident, mentioned that they also took another farmer, a woman, whose name is not yet known.

He said the kidnappers have contacted the wife of one of the victims. They are demanding a ransom of N100 million for the farmers' release.

"They still call the wife of the victim, asking her how much she has raised so far. We are begging the security agencies and the government to help us rescue our brother and sister unharmed," Mr Omowale explained.

He added that they have reported the situation to both the Nigeria Police Force and the Ondo State Security Network Agency, known as Amotekun.

Jimoh Abayomi, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, confirmed the kidnapping. He said they received a report of missing persons at the Oke-Igbo Divisional Headquarters.

He mentioned that a joint security team, which includes police operatives, the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, local hunters, and vigilante groups, has been quickly sent to the area.

"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," Mr Abayomi said.

He assured the public that the operation is being stepped up and urged residents to stay calm while providing any useful information that could aid the rescue efforts. He also promised that the command is committed to ensuring the safe rescue of the victims and catching those responsible.