Ondo State searches for abducted farmers, N25m ransom

Security forces in Ondo State have launched a major search operation after multiple farmers were abducted in separate incidents in the state's rural communities, with families reporting ransom demands totaling millions of naira.

In the most recent incident, three farmers, including two women and a man, were abducted in the Agbaje community along the Ala-Elefosan axis of Idanre Local Government Area. The victims, identified by family sources as including Funke Falolu, were seized while working at their farm settlement. A family member stated the kidnappers have contacted the families, demanding 5 million naira for each captive, bringing the total ransom demand to 15 million naira. The families reported the abduction to the Ala Police Station and the Ondo State Security Network Agency, known as Amotekun.

In a separate incident in Akoko South-East Local Government Area, two farmers were abducted in the Oke-Ifira-Idogun forest axis. A relative of one victim stated the abduction occurred on Saturday, July 18, 2026, and that the kidnappers are demanding a 10 million naira ransom for their release. The incident was reported to the police at the Isua Akoko Divisional Headquarters.