Suspected kidnappers have demanded ₦10 million for the release of two farmers abducted in the Oke-Ifira/Idogun forest area of Akoko South-East Local Government Area, Ondo State, according to a family member of the victims.
Drivetvnews gathered that the relative disclosed that the farmers were kidnapped on Saturday while working in the forest. The incident has been reported to the Nigeria Police Force and the Ondo State Security Network Agency (Amotekun Corps).
According to the family, the abductors have established contact and are demanding ₦10 million before the victims can regain their freedom.
The incident has renewed concerns over the rising cases of kidnappings targeting farmers and residents in rural communities across Ondo State.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the command received a report about the disappearance of the two farmers but noted that it had not received any official information regarding a ransom demand.
Jimoh said a coordinated search-and-rescue operation is underway, involving personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, local hunters, Agbekoya operatives, and community volunteers.
According to him, security agencies have deployed operational and intelligence resources to locate the victims and apprehend those responsible.
The police spokesperson appealed to residents to provide credible information that could aid the rescue operation and lead to the arrest of the kidnappers.
