Three farmers, including two women and a man, have been abducted by suspected kidnappers at Agbaje community, along the Ala-Elefosan axis of Idanre local government area of Ondo state and the abductors are reportedly demanding a ransom of N15 million for their release.
The latest abduction has heightened concerns over the safety of farmers operating in remote communities and farm settlements across the state amid growing fears that insecurity could further discourage agricultural activities in the affected areas.
The victims, identified by sources, include Funke Falolu and a man reportedly kidnapped while working at their farm settlement in the agrarian community.
A family source close to one of the victims, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the incident occurred when the victims went to the farm but failed to return home.
The source said the abductors subsequently established contact with the victims’ families and demanded N5 million for the release of each of the three abductees, bringing the total ransom demand to N15 million.
The source said the families had been thrown into confusion following the demand, adding that they were struggling to raise the huge amount being requested by the kidnappers.
He said: “When we heard that my brother’s wife had been 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 that they would not return home.
“The kidnappers called and told us to bring N5 million before they would 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 of naira that we do not have.”