…Residents flee as police launch manhunt
By Duchess Ifeoluwa
Panic swept through Imafon community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State on Monday after suspected gunmen stormed a poultry farm and abducted its manager, Mr Afolabi Ajayi, in broad daylight.
The incident, which occurred around 10:30 a.m., has heightened fears among residents and farmers in the area, many of whom have raised concerns over the growing wave of insecurity in rural communities.
Sources told Nigerian Monitor that the victim had arrived at the farm to inspect operations when the attackers struck.
A family source disclosed that Ajayi had just alighted from his vehicle and was about to enter the poultry premises when armed men reportedly emerged from a nearby bush, overpowered him and dragged him into the forest.
“He came to the farm to check on workers and monitor activities. Suddenly, gunmen rushed out from the bush, seized him and took him away to an unknown destination,” the source said.
As of the time of filing this report, the abductors were yet to establish contact with the family or make any ransom demand.
The incident was promptly reported to security agencies, prompting a swift response from the Ondo State Police Command.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, Abayomi Jimoh, said operatives had been deployed to the area to rescue the victim and apprehend those responsible.
According to him, the command received a distress call from the Ilado axis, where the abduction took place while the victim was attending to activities on his farm.
“In swift response, additional security apparatus, including tactical teams, have been deployed and are currently combing the surrounding bush to ensure the safe rescue of the victim and arrest of the perpetrators,” Jimoh said.
He assured that the command was utilising all available operational strategies, stressing that the safety of the abducted victim remains a top priority.
“The command assures the public that every necessary step is being taken. Further updates will be communicated as the situation unfolds,” he added.
The latest abduction has further heightened anxiety among residents of Akure North and adjoining communities, where cases of kidnapping and attacks on farmers have become increasingly frequent.
Concerned residents have called on the Ondo State Government and security agencies to intensify surveillance and strengthen protection for rural communities, particularly farmlands, to curb the activities of criminal elements and restore confidence among farmers.
