Seven farmers abducted in the Itaogbolu area of Akure North Local Government Area, Ondo State, have regained their freedom after spending five days in captivity, The Nation has learnt.
The victims were released on Wednesday night in a forested area near Ikere-Ekiti in Ekiti State, according to a source familiar with the situation.
“It is true. They [the farmers] have been set free and reunited with their families,” the source said on Friday. “But some of them are currently receiving treatment at a hospital due to the torture they suffered while being held.”
The farmers were reportedly kidnapped last weekend while harvesting palm fruits on their farmland when armed assailants struck and whisked them away into the forest.
Ransom Paid
Although the abductors initially demanded ₦100 million as ransom, the figure was later negotiated down to ₦20 million, and eventually, ₦5 million and some food supplies were delivered before the victims were released.
The police are yet to officially comment on the development. Repeated attempts to reach the spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, Ayanlade Olayinka, were unsuccessful as of press time. Text messages to his official line were undelivered.
Amotekun Officers Injured in Rescue Attempt
The incident had sparked a rescue effort by operatives of the Amotekun Corps, the regional security outfit, who reportedly came under heavy gunfire while combing the forest for the victims. At least three operatives were said to have sustained injuries during the clash with the kidnappers.
Community in Fear
The abduction and ransom saga has triggered fresh concerns over the rising wave of banditry and kidnappings in agrarian communities across Ondo and neighbouring states.
Security analysts have called for tighter surveillance, improved intelligence sharing, and better coordination among local and federal law enforcement to combat the growing threat.
