Abductors of seven Ondo farmers injure Amotekun officers during gun duel

By Boye Oyeyemi –

The Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps, has confirmed that three of its officers were injured during an exchange of gunfire with suspected kidnappers who recently abducted seven farmers in the state.

WESTERN POST had reported that the farmers were seized on Saturday while harvesting palm fruits on their farms located in Itaogbolu, a community in Akure North Local Government Area.

In the latest development, the kidnappers established contact with the victims’ families a day after the abduction, demanding a ransom of N100 million for their release.

Speaking on the development, the State Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, revealed in a phone conversation on Wednesday that his men came under heavy attack from the armed kidnappers while tracking their location.

Adeleye explained the armed hoodlums opened fire on the Amotekun operatives when they discovered that they were being trailed.

He said although no life was lost, three of the Amotekun officers sustained severe injuries and were hospitalised.

He stated, “We caught up to them yesterday (Tuesday), but they opened fire on us, which resulted in my men sustaining severe injuries. Three of them were almost killed. We are hot on their trail and will not stop until the victims are released. We are camped in the bush, and that is where we sleep. By God’s grace, we will secure the victims’ release.”

The commander assured the public that the corps remains determined to secure the safe return of the kidnapped victims, vowing that efforts would not cease until they are freed.