As the yuletide approaches, the locals in the Uso community in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State have cried out over the frequent abduction of farmers by armed bandits. 

The locals, who noted that no fewer than eight farmers were kidnapped a fortnight ago, said they had deserted the Asolo camp road in the community. 

The traditional ruler of the community, Ademola Olanipekun, who spoke on behalf of the victims, said the ransom demands by the kidnappers were alarming.  

“In the last one week, eight individuals have been kidnapped and released after payment of a huge ransom,” he said. 

He added, “Apart from the monetary ransom these kidnappers are collecting from the victims, they also ask for packets of tramadol tablets, cartons of milk, crates of malt drink, beverages and other materials.”

Mr Olanipekun said the resurgence of bandits’ criminal activities had forced the farmers, who dominated the agricultural community, to abandon their farms.

The monarch said the kidnappers told their victims they were enraged by the seizure of their arms by security agents during a recent raid in their hideout and were desperately looking for victims to abduct and pay ransom to buy new weapons. 

“So, our farmers can no longer go freely to their farms because of the activities of these men of the underworld operating in the Uso community these days,” Mr Olanipekun said. 

Describing the spate of kidnapping as fearful, Mr Olanipekun begged security agents and the state government to deploy more armed operatives to the community to fish out the criminals using the thick forests and farm paths as hideouts.

Mr Olanipekun said the bandits still walked freely within the bushes of the community despite the commencement of the inter-state border patrol by the Amotekun Corps.

The resurgence of kidnapping activities in Owo – Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s hometown is coming barely a few weeks since the Amotekun Corps launched the “ember months patrol” to ensure a hitch-free festive season. 

Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, who launched the 24-hour surveillance in Akure, had explained that the exercise was in collaboration with other sister security agencies to forestall all forms of criminal activities in Ondo. 

Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the state police, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, said the traditional ruler’s claims were not reported. However, she noted that the police was collaborating with other agencies to ensure adequate security within the flashpoints. 

“So, the police and other security agents are not relenting. We understand that it is a festive period, and our men have collaborated to provide a 24-hour security patrol in the flashpoint areas of the state,” she said.