Suspected gunmen have abducted two farmers in Ifira, an agrarian community in Akoko South-East Local Government Area of Ondo State, with the kidnappers reportedly demanding a ₦10 million ransom for their release.
The victims were kidnapped along the Oke-Ifira/Idogun forest axis while returning from their farms, according to relatives and community sources. A family member disclosed that the abduction occurred on Saturday, adding that the kidnappers later established contact and demanded ₦10 million before the victims would be freed.
The incident was brought to public attention during a phone-in radio programme in Akure, the Ondo State capital, where a relative appealed to security agencies and the state government to intensify efforts to rescue the victims safely.
Police authorities have confirmed that a joint security operation has been launched to track down the abductors and secure the release of the farmers. Security operatives are said to be combing the surrounding forests as part of the rescue effort.
The latest abduction has heightened concerns over the growing insecurity affecting farming communities in parts of Ondo State, where residents have repeatedly raised alarm over attacks by armed criminals operating in forested areas. Community leaders have called for increased security patrols and sustained operations to protect farmers and other rural dwellers.
The incident adds to a series of kidnapping cases reported across Nigeria in recent months, underscoring persistent concerns over the safety of residents in rural communities despite ongoing security operations.
