Seven farmers who were kidnapped while working on their farmland in Itaogbolu, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State have regained their freedom after five days in captivity.
The victims, seized by armed men on Saturday, were released on Wednesday night in Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, following the payment of ₦5 million and the delivery of food items to the kidnappers.
A relative of one of the abductees, who spoke anonymously, revealed that the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of ₦100 million. After tense negotiations, the amount was brought down to ₦20 million and eventually settled at ₦5 million, which was contributed by family members and well-wishers. The victims, whose names were not made public, are currently receiving treatment at a medical facility.
Efforts by the News Agency of Nigeria to speak with the Commander of the Ondo State Amotekun Corps, Mr. Adetunji Adeleye, were unsuccessful, as calls to his phone went unanswered.
Meanwhile, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, said he was not aware of the farmers’ release.
This incident adds to a growing wave of rural kidnappings in southwestern Nigeria, raising concerns over security lapses and the vulnerability of agricultural communities.
Security experts continue to urge a more robust response from authorities to curb the rising tide of violent abductions across the country.
