Two farmers had been kidnapped by bandits at the Oke-Ifira/Idogun forest axis of Akoko South-East council area of Ondo. One of the family members of the victims  disclosed this during a phone-in radio programme on Tuesday in Akure.

The relative, who said that the kidnap happened on Saturday, said it had been reported to the police and Amotekun Corps in the area.

“The abductors are demanding N10 million ransom for their freedom,” the relative said.

DSP Abayomi Jimoh, spokesman for the police command in Ondo, confirmed the attack in a statement on Tuesday.

Mr Jimoh, however, said that the command was not aware of any ransom demanded for the release of the hostages.

The officer said that the joint security team comprising the police, the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, local hunters, Agbekoya operatives and community volunteers had been deployed for a rescue operation.

“The Ondo State Police Command wishes to clarify reports circulating regarding the alleged kidnapping of farmers in the Oke-Ifira/Idogun forest axis of Akoko.

“The command can confirm that a report of missing persons was received at the Isua Akoko Divisional Headquarters.

“Search and rescue operations are currently ongoing, with all available operational and intelligence resources being deployed to locate the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“Meanwhile, the command wishes to categorically state that it is not aware of any ransom demand in connection with this incident,” he said.

Mr Jimoh appealed to anyone with credible information that could assist the ongoing search and rescue efforts to promptly share such information with the police. 

(NAN)