Abducted Ondo farmer dies while in kidnappers’ captivity

One of the two farmers kidnapped by gunmen in Okeigbo, Ondo State, has reportedly died in detention.

This was according to a statement issued by the Ondo State Security Network Agency, referred to as the Amotekun Corps, which stated that five other kidnapped persons had been saved in various operations within the state.

The Corps Commander, Adetunji Adeleye, made this revelation on Monday during the parading of 14 criminals in Akure.

It should be recalled that gunmen kidnapped two farmers in Parubber Community, Ile-Oluji/Okeigbo Local Government Area, and made a ransom demand of N100 million for their freedom.

Adeleye said the Okeigbo incident occurred a few days ago, prompting nine operatives of the Special Squad to immediately commence a rescue operation after receiving a distress call.

He said the Amotekun Corps also collaborated with sister security agencies, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS), to track the kidnappers and rescue the victims.

According to him, the operation was intensified following a directive from the state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to ensure that the victims were rescued.

“I’m glad to let you know that several kilometres away from the scene of crime, we successfully secured the release of the two of them that were kidnapped in Okeigbo,” Adeleye said.

He, however, said the kidnappers employed deceptive tactics to mislead the security operatives about their location.

Adeleye said the victims were eventually located deep inside a reserve forest, but one of them, a woman, could not be revived.

“We were able to rescue a life without a problem, the man. But unfortunately, by the time we got there, the lady was exhausted and we couldn’t revive her because we met her dead or unconscious,” he stated.

The commander added that one of the suspected kidnappers had been tracked to Oyo State, with arrangements ongoing with sister security agencies to apprehend the suspect and bring him to justice.

In another operation in the Ore axis of Odigbo Local Government Area, Adeleye said operatives arrested suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate.

“Today again, we have a group that specializes in kidnapping all in Odigbo local government. After very decisive actions, we were able to arrest the main culprits who in collaboration with some at large,” he said.

Adeleye also disclosed the arrest of two suspects, Akinlolu and Akintimi, for alleged illegal possession of firearms.

Giving a breakdown of the suspects paraded, the commander said nine were arrested for alleged offences relating to breach of law and order, while five were linked to kidnapping.

He said the families of some of the victims were able to send distress signals early enough, enabling Amotekun Rangers operating in the forest to respond and secure their release.

“Only yesterday night, we were equally able to rescue Four men in the Ala-Dada axis that were being kidnapped,” Adeleye said.

The Amotekun commander assured residents and potential investors of the security of lives and property across the state.