Ondo State Security Network Agency code-named Amotekun Corps has confirmed the kidnap of seven farmers in Itaogbolu, Akure North Local Government Area by gunmen.
The State Commander of Amotekun Corps, Mr Adetunji Adeleye confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in a telephone interview yesterday in Akure.
Adeleye, who said the farmers were kidnapped on Saturday, disclosed that Amotekun officers have been deployed to the forest in search of the victims.
“I can confirm the incident. Our men have been in the forests and are still there.
“I was there yesterday (Sunday) and we are hopeful that they will soon be rescued,” he said.
Also, the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, while confirming the incident to NAN, said efforts are ongoing to rescue the victims.
“Yes, there was a case of kidnapping at the weekend in Itaogbolu and the police has launched an operation to ensure that those who are responsible are apprehended.
“I cannot confirm the exact number of the victims to you because there is still an ongoing operation, but we are working assiduously to ensure their safe return,” Ayanlade said.
According to a source, the kidnappers made contact with some families of the victims and demanded N100 million for their release.
One of the sources, who craved anonymity, told NAN that the victims were in the farm harvesting palm fruits when they were abducted.
“They went to the farm to harvest palm fruits when they were abducted on Saturday.
“We did not hear from them until yesterday evening (Sunday) when the kidnappers contacted one of the family members, demanding a ransom of N100 million.
“We are still negotiating with their abductors,” he disclosed. (NAN)
