Bandits Kidnap Ondo LCDA Secretary, Two Others At Poultry Farm Near Akure Airport

Akure, Ondo State– Gunmen suspected to be bandits have abducted the Secretary of Okeluju Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Akoko North-West Local Government Area of Ondo State, Joseph Aladesuyi, alongside two other persons in a brazen attack at a farm settlement in Akure North Local Government Area.

The victims were reportedly kidnapped on Monday morning at a poultry farm located along Kajola Road in the Kajola area of Ilu-Abo, a community less than five kilometres from the Akure Airport.

Afrika Eyes gathered  that the attack occurred at about 10:00am, throwing residents into panic in the agrarian settlement which has in recent months witnessed repeated incidents of killings and abductions.

It was gathered that Aladesuyi had visited the farm when the assailants struck, abducting him along with two other individuals identified as Joseph Kayode and Easter Akinlolu.

The incident has heightened tension in the community, forcing some schools to shut down as parents hurriedly withdrew their children over fears of further attacks.

Confirming the abduction, the spokesperson of the Ondo State Police Command, Abayomi Jimoh, said the victims were kidnapped by armed men suspected to have emerged from a nearby bush.

In a statement issued on Monday, Jimoh said the attackers stormed the poultry farm and began shooting into the air before taking the victims away to an unknown location.

The statement read, “The Ondo State Police Command confirms the abduction of Joseph Kayode, the Secretary of Okeluju Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Akoko North-West Local Government Area, and one Easter Akinlolu at a poultry farm in Ondo State.

“Kayode and Akinlolu were abducted at a poultry farm along Kajola Road, Ilu-Abo, in Akure North Local Government Area of the state.

“Preliminary information available to the command indicates that gunmen who were masked and suspected to have emerged from a nearby bush invaded the poultry farm.

“The assailants reportedly fired sporadically into the air before whisking the victims away to an unknown destination.”

Jimoh added that immediately the police received information about the attack, the command mobilised tactical teams and detectives to the area to begin search and rescue operations.

“Upon receipt of the information, the command immediately mobilised tactical teams and detectives to the affected area to commence search and rescue operations, as well as intensify security patrols to prevent further occurrences,” he said.

According to the police spokesperson, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Adebowale Lawal, has ordered a full-scale deployment of operational and intelligence assets to ensure the victims are rescued safely.

“The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, directed the deployment of all available operational and intelligence resources to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the apprehension of the suspects.

“Security operatives alongside non-conventional security outfits are currently combing nearby forests and surrounding communities as part of ongoing efforts to track down the perpetrators,” Jimoh stated.

He noted that the police command was aware of the anxiety created by the incident among residents, particularly parents and school authorities, which resulted in the temporary closure of schools in the area.

“The command understands the concern this incident has generated among residents, particularly parents and school authorities, which has resulted in the temporary closure of schools.

“However, members of the public are urged to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that may cause unnecessary panic.

“Parents, guardians, and community leaders are encouraged to cooperate with the police and other security agencies by providing credible and actionable information that could assist ongoing operations.”

Jimoh assured residents that the Ondo State Police Command remained committed to protecting lives and property while efforts continue to locate the abductors and secure the release of the victims.