Bandits abduct four farmers in Ondo; demand N4 million ransom

Peoples Gazette learnt that the farmers were returning home to the Akoko area, a few hours’ journeys from their farm when the bandits waylaid and kidnapped them.

Tosin Ajuwon • June 12, 2022

Bandits used to illustrate the story

Gunmen have yet again struck in Ondo, this time kidnapping four farmers in Ifon, Ose Local Government Area.

The victims, among them a woman, were seized by the armed hoodlums at Elegbeka, a village in the local community.

The kidnap comes a week after terrorists attacked the St Francis Catholic Church in nearby Owo, killing over 40 worshippers and injuring dozen of the parishioners.

Peoples Gazette learnt that the farmers were returning home to the Akoko area, a few hours’ journeys from their farm when the bandits waylaid and kidnapped them.

Family sources confirmed the kidnap case to The Gazette, on Sunday night.

One of the sources who pleaded anonymity due to the delicate nature of the matter said the abductors are demanding a ransom of N4 million from them to free the victims.

“Four of them have their farms here in Ifon, and they normally return to their home in Akoko, particularly at the weekend,” the source said.

“But sadly, they were kidnapped yesterday (Saturday) while they were returning to their base after all week of work on the farm.”

“The kidnappers have placed a call through. They are asking for a ransom of one million naira each from the four victims before they would release them,” the source added.

Ondo police spokesperson, Funmilayo Odunlami, could not be immediately reached for comments.

However, a police source who had earlier confirmed the case, said a combined security team, which included the Amotekun Corps, is trailing the suspects.

Roads in Ifon, at the Ose Local Council Area of the state, have now become a nightmare for commuters due to the spate of insecurity in the locality.

Gunmen now have field days on the route, kidnapping people at will, without any challenge from the security agents.

In November 2020, the traditional ruler of the community and first-class monarch, Oba Isreal Adebusi, was murdered on the same road while trying to escape from kidnappers.

Also, a cleric, Venerable Olu Obanla, with the Anglican Church, was kidnapped alongside his son, at the same route, in Ifon, last month by the armed bandit.

He was released after paying a ransom.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.