Armed men suspected to be kidnappers shot a tomato farmer and abducted his wife during a late-night attack in Akure, the Ondo State capital, the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed.
The incident occurred at about 8:45 p.m. on Wednesday along Oda Road in the Isagba Community of the city.
Spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday, describing the attack as a criminal act carried out by suspected kidnappers.
According to Jimoh, the assailants invaded the residence of a farmer identified as Adesida Daniel, where they shot him and forcefully took away his wife.
“The command strongly condemns the criminal act carried out by suspected kidnappers who invaded the residence of one Adesida Daniel, a tomato farmer in Isagba Community along Oda Road,” the police spokesperson said.
He explained that the victim sustained a gunshot injury to his right hand while attempting to resist the attackers who had abducted his wife.
Jimoh added that police operatives quickly responded after receiving a distress call from the area.
“Upon receiving the distress call, police operatives swiftly mobilised to the scene, ensured the injured victim was rescued to the Police Clinic for medical attention, and secured the area,” he said.
The spokesperson further revealed that the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State has ordered intensified security operations to track down the perpetrators.
According to him, the directive includes increased patrols, bush-combing exercises and intelligence gathering across the affected community and neighbouring areas.
“The command assures residents that no effort will be spared in tracking down the perpetrators and bringing them to justice,” Jimoh said.
He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or individuals to the nearest police station.
The latest incident has heightened concerns over security in parts of Ondo State, where cases of kidnapping and attacks on farmers have been recorded in recent years, particularly along rural roads and farming communities.
