Gunmen abduct farm manager in Ondo

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on Monday invaded Imafon community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State and abducted the manager of a poultry farm, Afolabi Ajayi.

The attackers, who reportedly stormed the area around 10:30 a.m., ambushed the victim moments after he arrived at the farm and whisked him away to an unknown destination.

Ajayi was said to have stepped out of his vehicle to assess activities on the premises when the gunmen emerged from a nearby bush and forcefully took him into the forest.

A family source disclosed that the assailants had yet to establish contact with the family as of the time of filing this report, raising concerns over the victim’s safety and the motive behind the abduction.

He said: “The manager came to inspect the farm and check on the workers, but suddenly the gunmen appeared and dragged him into the bush.”

He, however, said the incident was promptly reported to security agencies, who swung into action immediately and trailed the hoodlums into the forest.

Confirming the development, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Abayomi Jimoh, said the command had launched a manhunt for the perpetrators.

Jimoh said tactical teams had been deployed to comb the surrounding forests with a view to rescuing the victim unharmed.

The PPRO said, “The command has been notified of a kidnapping incident at Ilado, where a farmer was abducted while working on his farm.

“In swift response, additional security apparatus, including tactical teams, have been deployed and are currently combing the surrounding bush to ensure the safe rescue of the victim and the apprehension of those responsible.

“The safety of the victim remains our top priority.”