Ondo kidnappers demand ₦10m ransom for two abducted farmers after the victims were reportedly seized along the Oke-Ifira/Idogun forest axis in Akoko South-East Local Government Area of Ondo State, with security agencies launching a coordinated search operation to rescue them.
The abduction was disclosed by a family member of the victims during a phone-in radio programme in Akure on Tuesday.
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According to the relative, the farmers were kidnapped on Saturday, and the incident was reported to both the Nigeria Police Force and the Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun Corps.
“The abductors are demanding ₦10 million ransom for their freedom,” the family member said.
The Ondo State Police Command confirmed receiving a report of the incident but said it had no official information indicating that the kidnappers had demanded a ransom.
Police Public Relations Officer DSP Abayomi Jimoh said the report was initially received at the Isua Akoko Divisional Headquarters, prompting an extensive search operation involving multiple security agencies.
“The Ondo State Police Command wishes to clarify reports circulating regarding the alleged kidnapping of farmers in the Oke-Ifira/Idogun forest axis of Akoko,” Jimoh said.
“The command can confirm that a report of missing persons was received at the Isua Akoko Divisional Headquarters.”
He added that a joint security team comprising personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, local hunters, Agbekoya operatives and community volunteers had been deployed to locate the victims.
“Search and rescue operations are currently ongoing, with all available operational and intelligence resources being deployed to locate the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Jimoh said.
The police spokesperson, however, stressed that the command was “not aware of any ransom demand in connection with this incident.”
Jimoh appealed to members of the public with credible information to assist investigators by reporting intelligence that could support the ongoing rescue efforts.
The reported abduction adds to persistent security concerns in parts of Ondo State, where farmers and travellers have periodically been targeted by armed kidnappers operating in remote forest communities.
Authorities have increasingly relied on joint operations involving conventional security agencies, local vigilantes and Amotekun operatives to combat the threat.
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As investigations continue, security agencies have urged residents to remain vigilant while assuring the public that efforts are being intensified to secure the safe release of the two missing farmers and apprehend those responsible.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
