Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a farmer, Funke Agbaje, along with two others in the Agbaje community in the Ala-Elefosan axis of the Idanre Local Council Area of Ondo State.

The victims, comprising two women and one male, were seized while working on their farm settlement in the agrarian community.

According to a family source close to one of the victims, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the abductors have established contact with the families, demanding a ransom of N5 million for the release of each of the three captives.

The source further stated that the incident had been reported to the Ala Police Station as well as the Ondo State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun.

He said, “When we heard that my brother’s wife was kidnapped, we were devastated. My sister-in-law, Funke Falolu, and the two others had gone to the farm just as they do every day. We never imagined they would not return home.

“The kidnappers called and told us to bring N5 million before they will be released. Where do we get such money?

“These criminals operate freely in the forests, and we are left to our fate. Now our people are being taken, and we are expected to pay millions we do not have. We are praying that it will be released soon.

“The government must do something urgently because farmers cannot farm. We are calling on the state government and security agencies to help us before it is too late.”

When contacted, the police public relations officer for the Ondo State Command, Abayomi Jimoh, assured that the incident will be investigated. (The Guardian)