Panic rocks Ondo community as kidnappers demand N15m ransom for three hostages

By Boye Oyeyemi

Suspected kidnappers have abducted three farmers at Agbaje community in the Ala-Elefosan area of Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State, demanding N15 million ransom for their release.

The victims, identified as two women and one man, were reportedly kidnapped while working on their farmland in the agrarian community, raising fresh concerns over the growing insecurity confronting farmers in the state.

A family member of one of the victims, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the abductors had contacted the families and demanded N5 million for each captive before they would be released.

“They called us and demanded N5 million for each of the three victims. We are ordinary people and have no idea where such money will come from. We are pleading with the authorities to intervene and ensure their safe return,” the source said.

The source explained that one of the victims, Funke Falolu, had gone to the farm with the others as usual but failed to return home, leaving relatives devastated.

“Our people can no longer go to their farms without fear. Farmers are now living in constant anxiety because kidnappers operate freely in the forests. The government and security agencies must act quickly before the situation gets out of hand,” the source added.

The incident was said to have been reported to the Ala Police Station and the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun, for immediate action.

Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said the matter would be investigated, assuring residents that security agencies were working to rescue the victims and apprehend those responsible.