Residents of Ifira, an agrarian community in Akoko South-East Local Government Area of Ondo State, have been thrown into fear after suspected gunmen abducted two farmers and demanded a ransom of ₦10 million for their release.
According to reports, the victims were ambushed while travelling to their farmland along the Oke-Ifira/Idogun forest axis. The attackers reportedly whisked them away into a nearby forest before anyone could come to their rescue, leaving family members and residents in shock.
A relative of one of the abducted farmers disclosed that the kidnappers later contacted the families and demanded ₦10 million as ransom for the victims’ freedom. The incident has since been reported to the Nigeria Police Force and the Ondo State Security Network Agency, popularly known as Amotekun, which have launched efforts to track down the kidnappers and secure the safe release of the victims...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
The latest abduction has heightened concerns over the worsening security situation in parts of Ondo State, particularly in farming communities where criminal gangs have increasingly targeted farmers, travellers and rural residents. Community leaders say persistent attacks are discouraging farming activities and threatening food production, as many farmers now fear venturing into their farmlands.
Residents have appealed to the Federal and Ondo State governments to strengthen security across rural communities and forest corridors that have become hotspots for kidnappers. They also called for increased patrols by security agencies and the deployment of more personnel to vulnerable areas to prevent further attacks.
As security operatives continue rescue efforts, families of the victims remain hopeful that the farmers will regain their freedom unharmed. The latest incident once again highlights the growing challenge of kidnapping for ransom in Nigeria and the urgent need for sustained security measures to protect lives, livelihoods and rural communities.
