Armed bandits have abducted seven farmers at Itaogbolu in the Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The victims were reportedly working on their farmland over the weekend when the gunmen launched a surprise attack and whisked them away.
A source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told The Nation on Monday that the farmers were harvesting palm fruits when the assailants struck.
“They were in the farm harvesting when the kidnappers suddenly appeared and abducted them,” the source said.
He further disclosed that the kidnappers have contacted the families of the victims, demanding a ransom of ₦100 million for their release.
Confirming the incident, the Commander of the Amotekun Corps in the State, Adetunji Adeleye, said his men have begun a search operation in the surrounding forests to secure the victims’ safe return.
“We are aware of the kidnap case, and our operatives are currently combing the forest in a bid to rescue the victims unhurt,” he stated.
Also, Ondo police spokesperson Ayanlade Olayinka, confirmed the abduction and assured that efforts were underway to rescue the victims.
He said: “A joint operation involving security agencies has been launched, and we are working tirelessly to apprehend the culprits and ensure the safe release of the victims.”
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
