Gunmen

Richard Elesho

Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of a mechanised farmer, Chief Sam Ajayi Bello, from his farm in Ponyan, Yagba East, Kogi State. Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, William Aya, while making the confirmation, added that machinery for the rescue of the victim has been activated.

Ajayi, the MD of Ponyan Agricultural Foundation, was kidnapped from his poultry farm in Ponyan on Monday morning. During the attack, one brave hunter, Folorunso Adetiba, was shot while tracking the kidnappers and is receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.

The Okun Development Association has strongly condemned the persistent security breaches, especially in the Okun axis of Kogi West, and called for urgent action to reverse the trend.

A statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of ODA, Dayo Thomas, said the daylight abduction of a traditional title holder on his farm has sent shockwaves throughout the community.

The group added that the incessant kidnapping of farmers has severely impacted the state, leading to skyrocketing food prices, as many farmers are intimidated.

ODA demanded immediate action for Chief Sam Ajayi Bello’s safe release and called for collaborative efforts to apprehend the perpetrators.

“We urge the community to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with security agencies.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Chief Sam Ajayi Bello, and we fervently pray for his safe return,” he added.

Ajayi’s abduction came in less than a week after the release of Pa. Dada Ogunyanda, the 90-year-old Oba of Okoloke, Yagba East, who was kidnapped from his palace on May 15 and kept in captivity for about a month. A heavy ransom was allegedly paid for his release.