Gunmen abduct Okeluju LCDA secretary, two others in Akure North
Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on Monday abducted the secretary of Okeluju Local Council Development Area (LCDA) under Akoko North West Local Government Area, Joseph Aladesuyi, along with two other individuals, while he was on his farm in the Kajola area of Ilu-Abo, Akure North Local Government Area.
Aladesuyi, who also serves as the Managing Director of Jotina Farms, was conducting an inspection visit to his farm along Airport Road when the attackers, numbering about ten, reportedly stormed the farm, firing sporadically into the air before abducting him and two others.
A family source explained that the gunmen arrived at the farm around 10:00 a.m. while the abducted Managing Director was inspecting the premises with one of his daughters, who had accompanied him. Aladesuyi reportedly tried to escape and struggled with the gunmen, sustaining a gunshot wound to his hand.
He said, “The MD arrived at his farm around 9:00 a.m. with his daughter. Shortly after, the kidnappers, who were about ten, arrived and fired sporadically into the air. They dragged him away, but he struggled with them, and one of the gunmen shot him in his hand before taking him away. They left his daughter unharmed but told her point-blank that they were kidnapping her father. We are anxiously waiting for their call because we do not know his condition at the moment.”
The suspected kidnappers were yet to contact the family regarding a possible ransom to secure the release of the council secretary, while the identities of the two other victims remained unknown.
The sporadic gunfire caused panic in the community, with parents rushing to collect their children from schools, many of which were hurriedly closed.
Residents expressed growing concern over what they described as the government’s insensitivity to the escalating incidents of kidnapping, stressing that such abductions are no longer isolated cases.
Speaking to journalists, a community leader said the latest case highlights a worrying pattern: ‘This is no longer an isolated case. Every week, we hear about someone being abducted in our community. It feels like no one is in control in this state. This contradicts Governor Aiyedatiwa’s claims that there is no security challenge in the state. We are living in fear, and many people are moving out of this community due to the threat of abduction. We can no longer accept promises. Kidnapping has become a recurring nightmare, and immediate action is needed,” said Chief Albert Adeyemi.
Meanwhile, security personnel, including police, the Amotekun corps, and local vigilante groups, have reportedly launched a manhunt for the perpetrators, combing the dense forests where the gunmen are believed to have escaped with their captives.
When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Jimoh Abayomi, confirmed the incident and said two people were abducted by the gunmen while working at a poultry farm along Kajola Road, Ilu-Abo.
According to the PPRO: “Preliminary information available to the Command indicates that three masked armed men, suspected to have emerged from a nearby bush, invaded the poultry farm and abducted two persons identified as Joseph Kayode ‘M’ and Easter Akinlolu ‘F’. The assailants reportedly fired sporadically into the air before whisking the victims away to an unknown destination.
“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 to intensify security patrols to prevent further occurrences.”
Abayomi added, “Detectives from the command have been deployed to ensure the safe rescue of the victims and the arrest of those responsible for this criminal act. Security operatives, alongside non-conventional security outfits, are currently combing nearby forests and surrounding communities as part of ongoing efforts to track down the perpetrators.
“The Command understands the concern this incident has generated among residents, particularly parents and school authorities, which has resulted in the temporary closure of schools. However, members of the public are urged to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that may cause unnecessary panic.”