Iseyin kidnapping: 3 Benin nationals among victims, N20m ransom demanded
Yinka ADETUNJI
The abductors of four farm workers in Iseyin/Ipapo in Oke-Ogun area of Oyo state have reportedly demanded a ransom of N20m as a condition for the release of the victims.
This is according to a leader of the Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, (names withheld) in Iseyin.
ogbomosoinsightonline.com recalls that four farm workers were on Saturday abducted by suspected Fulani bandits along Iseyin-Ipapo road.
According to investigations by ogbomosoinsightonline.com, the four were farm workers in a private farm – P-Farm, located beyond the Farm Settlement (Agric) on Iseyin-Ipapo road.
The farm is said to be owned by an entrepreneur based in an unnamed country abroad.
The victims include the manager of the farm, simply identified as Michael and three Sabes (nationals of Benin Republic, a West Africa country).
The OPC leader said security operatives including OPC men have stormed the forests in search of the victims and abductors giving assurance the criminals would be tracked down.
Meanwhile, the Oyo state government has deployed more security operatives to Iseyin to reinforce the search team.
In a press release signed by Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, Oyo state Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, and made available to newsmen on Sunday, the Oyo state government assured the abductees would be freed while appealing for calm.
“The Oyo state government has deployed a security team to Ipapo/Iseyin axis in the Oyo North senatorial district, following the abduction of some farmers by unknown gunmen on Saturday.
“The state government appealed to the people of Ipapo to be calm in the wake of the fresh abduction of the four persons.”
The release quoting the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi, informs that “a security team comprising police and the military has been dispatched to support the existing security architecture in the area,” maintaining “the Oyo state government prioritizes the protection of life and properties of every resident of the state, farmers inclusive.
“The government pledges to take every step to safely return those abducted to their loved ones.
“The military team is expected to join the operation that is planned to not only rescue the victims but also ensure that appropriate actions are taken against the perpetrators,” the statement by the Commissioner for Information read.
“It is in pursuant of this that all security agencies in the state including the Nigerian Army have been mobilised to the area and are in hot pursuit of the criminals”, he said.
