Kidnappers Demands N500m Ransom for Abducted Ondo Farm Manager

Gunmen who abducted a farm manager in Ondo State have demanded a ransom of N500 million for his release, raising fresh concerns over insecurity in the South-West region.

The victim, Afolabi Ajayi, was kidnapped on Monday at Imafon community in Akure North Local Government Area.

The incident happened shortly after he arrived at the farm to inspect ongoing activities.

Witnesses said Ajayi had just stepped out of his vehicle when armed men suddenly appeared from a nearby bush. The attackers reportedly overpowered him and whisked him away before anyone could react.

A source close to the family confirmed that the kidnappers established contact a day after the incident. According to the source, the abductors are demanding a huge sum of N500 million.

“The abductors have reached out and are insisting on N500 million before he can be freed. The family is deeply distressed and unsure of how to raise such an amount,” the source said.

The development has thrown the family into panic, with relatives said to be making desperate moves to negotiate with the kidnappers. However, efforts to reduce the ransom have reportedly not yielded results, as the gunmen are said to be firm on their demand.

Local residents expressed fear over the rising cases of kidnapping in the area. Many farmers are now worried about their safety, especially those who operate in remote locations.

When contacted, the spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the command had not been officially informed about the ransom demand.

He, however, assured that security operatives were already working to track down the perpetrators and secure the victim’s release.

“The command is not aware of the ransom demand, but we encourage anyone with useful information to come forward as efforts continue to rescue the victim unhurt and apprehend those responsible,” he said.

Security sources say operations have been intensified across the area, with patrol teams combing nearby forests where the suspects are believed to be hiding.