Five farmers were kidnapped in the early hours of Tuesday in Odo-Eku, a community in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State. The attack, which occurred around 1:00 am, left the local population reeling in fear as heavily armed gunmen stormed a Fulani settlement and abducted their victims.
According to reports, the victims include three women and two men, one of whom is a mother abducted along with her daughter. All the victims are farmers who live in the rural community. Witnesses disclosed that the gunmen unleashed heavy gunfire during the attack, creating panic and ensuring no one could resist their invasion.
Hon. Benjamin Jolayemi, chairman of the local government, confirmed the incident. Speaking to journalists on Thursday, he said security personnel, including local hunters and vigilante groups, had been mobilized to track the kidnappers and rescue the victims.
“The Fulani settlement is far from the main town, which is why only a few people heard the sporadic gunshots when the bandits attacked. But our men and the police are on their trail,” he assured.
A community leader, identified as Niyi, revealed that the kidnappers had contacted the victims’ families and demanded a ransom amounting to millions of naira. “The families are raising money for the ransom. They are worried that rescue efforts might put their loved ones in greater danger,” he explained.
The Kwara State Police Command also confirmed the abduction. SP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, the police spokesperson, stated, “The command is aware of the incident at Odo-Eku Camp, Isin, where five persons were kidnapped and moved to an unknown location. Immediate deployment has taken place with the police, alongside the vigilante, on a rescue mission. Further updates will be communicated as it unfolds.”
