Residents of Agbaje community along the Ala-Elefosan axis of Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State have been thrown into panic after suspected kidnappers abducted three farmers, including a woman, while they were working on their farmland.
The victims, identified as two women and a man, were reportedly attacked and whisked away from their farm settlement by the armed abductors.
One of the abducted victims has been identified as Mrs. Funke Falolu.
According to report, the kidnappers have since established contact with the victims’ families, demanding ₦5 million for the release of each captive, bringing the total ransom demand to ₦15 million.
The incident has been reported to officers at the Ala Police Station as well as operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun, who have reportedly commenced efforts to secure the victims’ rescue.
A relative of one of the abducted farmers described the incident as devastating, saying the victims had left for the farm as usual but never returned home.
“When we heard that my brother 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 relative said.
He disclosed that the kidnappers later contacted the family and demanded ₦5 million before each victim would be released.
“They told us to bring ₦5 million before they would release them. Where do we get such money?” he lamented.
The family accused criminal gangs of operating freely in the forests, leaving residents and farmers vulnerable to attacks.
“These criminals operate freely in the forests, and we are left to our fate. Now our people are being taken, and we are expected to pay millions we do not have. We are praying that they will be released soon,” he added.
The relative appealed to the Ondo State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the victims and improve security in the area.
He warned that the growing wave of kidnappings was discouraging farming activities and threatening the livelihoods of residents.
“The government must do something urgently because farmers can no longer go to their farms. We are calling on the state government and security agencies to help us before it is too late,” he said.
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