Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted three farmers, including a woman identified as Funke Falolu, in Agbaje community along the Ala-Elefosan axis of Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State, with the abductors demanding a total ransom of N15 million for their release.
THISDAY gathered on Wednesday that the victims, comprising two women and one man, were working on their farm settlement in the agrarian community when the armed men stormed the area and whisked them away to an unknown destination.
A family source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the kidnappers had established contact with the families and were demanding N5 million for each of the three captives before they would regain their freedom.
The source disclosed that the incident had been reported to the Ala Police Station and the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun, expressing hope that security operatives would rescue the victims unhurt.
“When we heard that my brother’s wife had been kidnapped, we were devastated. My sister-in-law, Funke Falolu, and the two others had gone to the farm just as they do every day. We never imagined they would not return home,” the source said.
He added, “The kidnappers called and told us to bring N5 million before they would release each of them. Where do we get such money?
“These criminals operate freely in the forests, and we are left to our fate. Our people are being taken away, and we are expected to pay millions of naira we simply do not have. We are praying that they will be released soon.
“The government must act urgently because farmers can no longer go to their farms without fear. We are appealing to the state government and security agencies to rescue the victims and restore security in our communities before it is too late.”
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed that the report had reached the command, assuring that the matter would be investigated and appropriate action taken.
Fidelis David
