The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of a council secretary and another person at a poultry farm in Akure North Local Government Area.
DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the command’s spokesperson, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, March 9, saying the victims were kidnapped on Monday morning at their farm along Kajola Road, Ilu-Abo.
The abducted individuals were identified as Joseph Kayode, Secretary of Okeluju Local Council Development Area in Akoko North-West Local Government Area, and Esther Akinlolu.
Jimoh said preliminary reports indicated that three masked armed men, believed to have emerged from a nearby bush, invaded the poultry farm, firing sporadically into the air before taking the victims to an unknown location.
“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.
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The Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, has 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 reportedly combing nearby forests and surrounding communities as part of ongoing efforts to track down the perpetrators.
Jimoh acknowledged the concern the incident has caused among residents, particularly parents and school authorities, noting that some schools have temporarily closed. He urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information.
“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,” he said, adding that the Ondo State Police Command remains committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property.