₦airaland Forum

Bandits have once again struck in Ondo State, kidnapping a businessman, Tope Faaji, along with his wife and daughter in Owo Local Government Area.

The latest abduction occurred just a week after suspected gunmen kidnapped nine surveyors in Owode/Ilu Abo, Akure North LGA.

Sources revealed to Daily Trust on Sunday that the victims were taken at the entrance of their residence along Ipele Road in Owo as they returned home from work.

A resident said “We were together on Friday evening because we were fasting. I was with Tope at his wife’s shop before we went our separate ways to break our fast.


“Later, I got a call from his son, informing me that his father, mother, and sister had been kidnapped. When we rushed to his house, we confirmed the sad news.

“The boy who called me was in the car with them but had stepped out to open the gate. As he was doing so, the kidnappers struck and took them away.”

The abductors have since contacted the family, demanding a N20 million ransom for their release.

“Initially, they asked for N30 million, but after negotiations, they reduced it to N20 million,” the source added.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, said she could not yet confirm the incident but promised to follow up.

Last week, surveyors in the state raised concerns over the worsening security situation, particularly the increasing cases of kidnapping targeting their members.
During a press briefing in Akure, Tajudeen Bello, Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Surveyors (NIS), lamented that surveyors were now afraid to work on-site due to the rising risk of abduction.

Amid the growing insecurity, a socio-cultural organisation, the Ooye Development Initiatives (ODI), has urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to prioritise the safety of lives and property in the state.
In a statement issued over the weekend, ODI President Tokunbo Jegede condemned the surge in kidnappings, armed robberies and killings, particularly in Akure.

“The increasing cases of abductions and killings in parts of Akure and other areas in the state are alarming. The state government must take immediate action to protect its citizens,” Jegede said.

Konquest:
[b]Official crime statistics available from over 35 years ago till date clearly indicate that a lot of the crimes committed in the Ondo State axis such as armed robberies, kidnappings for ransom and more are done by non-Ondo State indigenes (even non-Yoruba folks) [/b]such as those arrested from Ebira in Kogi, Delta, a few Edo, Fulani herdsmen, and Ibo interstate armed robbers who came from Anambra State.

Internal moles close to the founder of the farm and his farm manager can ALSO be involved in this crime.

An Ondo entrepreneur who returned from abroad to start farming, Mr. Olanrewaju Oyeleye, has said that he paid N25m ransom for his abductors to release him.

Olanrewaju said the money was paid in Ekiti State.

He and his farm manager were abducted at Oba-Ile area near the Akure Airport while he was going to his farm at Abo-Ashakin, Akure North local government area of Ondo State.

Recounting his experience after release, Olanrewaju said he was kidnapped the day his wife gave birth to twin.

Olanrewaju stated that it was a traumatic experience for his family because he spent five days in the kidnappers’ den.

He said his abductors were armed Fulani herdsmen who ambushed him and farm manager on a Friday morning.


“I was driving my Toyota Camry when I suddenly found the road barricaded by five to six armed men wielding AK-47 rifles.

“They shouted at me to stop but I attempted to reverse. Before I could react further, they opened fire on my car. The gunshots were relentless, I lost count of how many times they fired.

“Realising I could not escape, I eventually surrendered.

“The kidnappers dragged me and my companion into the dense forest, forcing us to walk all night to an unknown location.”


He said he was beaten and brutalised after he insisted he did not have up to N100m to pay as ransom.

His words: “They used cutlasses on my head and back for days. Every morning, they would start hitting me before they gave me a phone and forced me to call my family members, demanding the money.

“The kidnappers, who referred to themselves as ‘the Mafia’, boasted that they feared no one, not even the military.”

What worsened his fears were the calls his abductors made to various individuals demanding supplies and weapons.

He said items were supplied at various places inside the forest for the kidnappers

“They don’t operate in isolation. They have a network and godfathers.

“After days of starvation, my captors provided only water once, which was unfit for human consumption. My family managed to negotiate the ransom down to ₦25 million which was delivered to Ise-Ekiti.

“I am now living in fear. Yesterday, as I was heading home, I was terrified. Today, stepping outside, I am still scared. If they could kidnap me in daylight, what could happen at night?”

Olanrewaju said impunity emboldened the kidnappers and called on government to overhaul security architecture, equip agencies with modern technology, and strengthen community policing

The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the death of a seminarian, Peter Andrew, who was kidnapped on March 3 alongside Rev. Fr. Peter Ekweli.

Andrew was with St. Peter Catholic Church in Ivukwa Community, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State before he was abducted along with Ekweli.

On March 8, the kidnappers settled for a N10m ransom for the victims after initially demanding N100m.

However, a viral video on Thursday showed a kidnap victim, surrounded by uniformed men believed to be vigilantes, claiming that he was kidnapped and held in the same location with the priest and seminarian.

He said they were all forced to close their eyes, and in the process, they heard a gunshot. When they opened their eyes, they saw the seminarian battling for his life before he died.

According to the victim, they all trekked to a location in Edo Central, from where he escaped.

However, the police said it rescued the reverend father on Thursday.

The spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, Moses Yamu, confirmed the seminarian’s death on Friday.

In a statement shared with Saturday PUNCH, Yamu said police operatives were combing the bush to recover the corpse and arrest the kidnappers

The statement read, “Further to the kidnap of Rev. Father Philip Ekeli and Seminarian Peter Andrew at St. Peter Catholic Church, Iviukha, Etsako East LGA on 03/03/2025, intensive search and rescue operations by police operatives and vigilante members led to the release of the reverend father on 13/03/2025 at about 16:52 hrs in Amughe Community


“Bush combing continues with a view to recovering the remains of the seminarian, who regrettably lost his life in the process, as well as to arrest the remaining gang members of the kidnappers.

“Recall that one suspect was neutralised, and four suspects—Murtala Ibrahim, 32; Joshua Joseph, 31; Sadiq Sheidu, 35; and Sunday Bulus, 28—were arrested on the day of the kidnap.”

A source close to the Catholic Church said Ekweli is recuperating at an undisclosed hospital.

yarimo:
In Ondo state? Peter OBI will soon rush to react.

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted Wale Oluyi, the owner of Daisi Oluyi Farms, along with his manager.

The assailants reportedly stormed the farm near Ogbese in Akure North Local Government Area around 11 p.m. on Thursday, firing sporadically before whisking away their victims.

Family sources confirmed that the kidnappers have demanded a N30 million ransom for their release.
A close source said friends and family members have begun contributing money to ensure their release.

The source said the abduction was reported at the Ala Elofosan police station

Meanwhile, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has vowed to flush all criminal elements out of the state.
Aiyedatiwa, who spoke at a critical stakeholders’ meeting in Akure, said his administration would not allow the state became a haven for criminals.

The Ondo Governor pledged to uphold the State recognized status as the most peaceful state in the country.

He said his administration would deploy all necessary resources to flush out criminals from their hideouts.

The governor also called on traditional rulers, community leaders, and village heads to remain vigilant and collaborate with security agencies.

According to him, “We will not allow Ondo State to become a haven for criminals. While we welcome all law-abiding Nigerians who wish to live and conduct legitimate business here, we will not tolerate individuals disguising themselves as farmers while using our forests as hideouts for illegal activities such as kidnapping and other crimes.

“Whenever you notice any suspicious movement, alert the security agents immediately. If you see something, say something. Security is a collective responsibility for everyone.”

“I will also be meeting with traditional rulers because insecurity in any part of the state affects the entire state.”

Ondo Police spokesman, Funmilayo Odunlami, did not pick calls made to her phone.

Who’s watching the Wike meltdown on live tv.

Someone that was calm in Italy. pic.twitter.com/CAaNEk8NL3

— Morris Monye (@Morris_Monye) March 12, 2025

Video: Protest rocks Akure as residents demand justice for killed farmers, kidnapped surveyors

March 11, 2025

A protest has erupted in Akure, Ondo State, following the gruesome killing of over 20 farmers by suspected herdsmen in Akure North Local Government Area over the… pic.twitter.com/uadtucLj4D

— The Yoruba Times (@TheYorubaTimes) March 11, 2025

Anger as herdsmen, bandits kill 42 in Benue, Nasarawa, Ondo

March 12, 2025

By Dayo Johnson, Regional Editor, South-West, Peter Duru & Abel Daniel

Three states – Benue, Nasarawa and Ondo – were locked in rage and protests, yesterday, over the killing of no fewer than 28 persons by herdsmen and bandits.

A pregnant woman was among 20 persons killed during a farmers/herders’ clash that left scores wounded, houses, motorcycles, and a police operational vehicle set ablaze in Nasarawa LGA of Nasarawa State.

At press time, the Nasarawa Police said they had recovered six bodies, while a witness said no fewer than 20 people died and many remained missing.

Market women and youths took to the streets over the kidnap of nine surveyors as Ondo State Government, the Police and regent differed over the sacking of four communities and killing of 20 in Akure North LGA by bandits.

Indeed, there was pandemonium in Gwer West LGA of Benue State as irate youths, yesterday morning, burnt down the council secretariat in Naka and the Palace of the Chairman of Gwer West traditional council, HRH Daniel Abomtse, over alleged murder of three members of the Civil Protection Guards by suspected armed herdsmen on Monday.

The trio were on duty at On-MbaAondo, Tsambe-Mbesev Ward of the LGA when they were killed.

The mob also allegedly razed other properties in the town, including a hotel belonging to the lawmaker representing Benue North West in the Senate, Senator Titus Zam.

It was gathered that the angry youths took to the streets as early as 7am when the bodies of the three murdered local security personnel were brought to Naka for burial.

According to a source, “the youths were not only angered by the murder of the three local security personnel but the fact that government is not doing enough to check the unending incursions and killings in Gwer West LGA by armed herdsmen.

“What you see happening today (yesterday) is a revolt and demonstration of bottled up anger over the activities of armed herdsmen in Gwer West communities and the failure of the authorities to check the menace.”

Hoodlums hijacked protest — Omirin, council chairman[/color]

Confirming the development, the Chairman of Gwer West LGA, Victor Omirin, said the protest, started by youths in Naka, was later hijacked by hoodlums, “and they burnt down the local government secretariat and the Ter Nagi’s palace.”

He explained that the crisis was triggered by “the murder of three members of Civil Protection Guards, who were killed in Gyaluwa community by armed herdsmen, so when their bodies were brought to Naka, it sparked protest from the youths which was taken over by hoodlums.”

Contacted, Special Adviser to the Governor on Internal Security, Chief Joseph Har, said the attacked community is the home of the security adviser to the governor (External) Col. Alex Ashungyu, retd.

“He (local government chairman) called and told me that the secretariat was burnt. I was also told that after burning the secretariat, they proceeded towards Abomtse’s palace and Zam’s hotel but I have not heard the latest.”

My palace, valuables burnt — HRH Abomtse[color=#990000]

Chief Har, who could not confirm that the murdered trio were members of the Civil Protection Guards, said: “If they were farmers, hunters or local fighters, I do not know.”

Efforts to reach Ashungyu were unsuccessful but the Chairman of Gwer West Traditional Council and Ter Tyoshin, HRH Daniel Abomtse, who said he travelled for medical check-up, confirmed the razing of his palace and other valuables in his residence.

“I travelled for a medical check-up only to hear that the boys, this morning (yesterday), razed the local government secretariat and my palace and other valuables, including three vehicles and motorcycles, that were within the premises of the palace were all burnt. But I am driving back to Naka as we speak.”

Police CP visits council with tactical team

Confirming the development in a brief statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent, CSP, Catherine Anene said: “Information has been received about an on-going protest in Naka and the commissioner of police moved this morning to the area with other tactical teams. Further developments will be communicated to you please.”

Marauders won’t escape justice — Alia[/color]

Condemning the herder’s attack and murder of the serving guards, Governor Alia, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, stated that the inhuman act of marauding armed herdsmen “is once more, a flagrant affront to the peace and security of our communities.”

He continued: “We appreciate the deep rage and frustration that led to anxiety at Naka, headquarters of Gwer-West, including the regrettable burning of the local government secretariat and the palace of Ter Tyoshin by protesters.

“While we empathise with the sentiments of our people, we advocate restraint and foresight in funneling this anger. Destruction of our own worth simply serves to frustrate the intentions of our government, which is devoted to building up peace and security in the state.

“We request all security organs to intensify their efforts in detecting and capturing the perpetrators of this heinous atrocity. The security of our residents is paramount, and we will not rest until those culpable for this violence are held liable.”

How pregnant woman, 19 others died in Nasarawa farmers/herders’ crisis
[color=#990000]

Confirming the death of six persons, including a pregnant woman in Nasarawa LGA clash between farmers and herders, the Police command in a statement by the Public Relations Officer, SP Nansel Ranham, yesterday in Lafia, the state capital, said it had recovered six bodies so far, following deployment of men and officers of the command to the area.

“The six corpses recovered have been identified as Simeon Madaki, Ayawu Senior, Sunday Wa’azu, Vincent Sunday, Taimako Senior, and Filibus Jatau Mai’anguwa. Some houses, shops, motorcycles, and a car were also vandalised during the attack.

“During the operation, three injured victims—Samaniya Wa’azu, Vincent Ezekiel, and Johnson Maikasuwa—were rescued and taken to a medical centre for treatment.

“To ensure law and order, the area has been reinforced with personnel from the Mobile Police of 69 PMF Toto, alongside other police operatives and the military who are currently patrolling the vicinity.

“However, in the course of the intervention, the mob vandalised a police patrol vehicle and later set fire on a nearby Ruga settlement where the suspect, Sani, resided. This led to the unfortunate death of one Azumi Allah Gaba and her unborn child,’’ the statement read. The Police said they had arrested two suspects in relation to the communal crisis in Farin Dutse and restored normalcy to the area.

Meanwhile a resident, Yakubu Joshua, said more than 20 people died, while many remained missing.
He commended the security agents for the intervention but appealed to Governor Abdullahi Sule to come to their rescue as many were stranded, looking for food.

Protest rocks Ondo over abduction of nine surveyors[/color]

In Ondo, market women protested the abduction of nine surveyors at Owode Ilu-Abo in Akure South LGA.
The placard-carrying women expressed concern over the state of insecurity in recent times.

They blocked the road to the Governor’s Office and caused gridlock in Akure metropolis for hours, while calling on security agencies to be alive to their responsibility and secure the release of the victims.

Converging on the residence of the Ejeminkin of Akure, High Chief Oluwole Omotayo, in the state capital as early as 9am, the protesters lamented that the victims were working on site when the bandits abducted them and marched them to an unknown destination.

Marching from Omotayo residence, the protesters, who blocked the Governor’s office, urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to take decisive action and check the activities of kidnappers.

Kidnappers demand N100m[color=#990000]

One of the market leaders, Toyin Arowosafe, who spoke with newsmen, said the abductors had opened a line of communication with them and demanded N100million ransom.


Arowosafe said they had pleaded with the kidnappers to reduce the ransom to N50million, adding that they refused.

According to her, the victims were abducted last Tuesday.

Also, one of the protesters, Comfort Afolabi, whose brother was abducted, confirmed that the abductors demanded N100million.

Surveyors went to site without protection — Special adviser[/color]

Addressing the protesters, the Special Adviser (Union Matters and Special Duties) to the governor, Bola Taiwo, blamed the nine kidnapped victims for going to the site without security operatives.

Taiwo blamed them for collecting a huge sum of money from their client but failed to secure themselves.
He said: “We shall speak with your leaders if they have reported the incident to the police. If they have not reported to the police, they should go there. That’s when the government would act.

“Nowadays, any surveyors going to site should go with police escorts. If they do, no gunmen would abduct them. No one can kidnap anyone without internal collaborators.

“You shall now go back to Ilu-Abo and cry out that those who abducted the surveyors should release them. No Hausa or Fulani man can come to Ilu-Abo and kidnap without the connivance of one of the natives. It is your people that kidnapped the nine surveyors. We will meet with your leaders and discuss with them.”

Ondo govt, police, regent, differ over sack of communities, killing of 20[color=#990000]

Meanwhile , the state government, Police and the Regent of Ademekun Community, Princess Adelowo Adekemisola, have differed on the attack and sack of four communities by bandits.

The regent, Princess Adekemisola, said 14 persons were murdered in her community by bandits.
No fewer than 20 persons were reportedly killed and many others injured during the attack which led to the sack of four communities in Akure North council area of the state.

The sacked communities include Aba Alajido, Aba Sunday, Aba Pastor and Ademekun in Akure LGA.
She said: “Fourteen people were killed by the herdsmen who infiltrated my community and started shooting sporadically. I was told that someone called ‘Iron Body’ and some boys came to the community on Thursday.

‘’He introduced his team as ‘Commissioner Boys.’ And he was immediately confronted on who he was looking for but said he only came to seek their collaboration on how to prevent Fulani herdsmen and their cattle from the community.

“My people later told him to come; they will inform me when I arrive in the community. But it was not too long before the same ‘Iron Boys’ went to Ademekun Village, which is the next community, and began to fire gunshots and killed about 100 cows. We became scared over the development.

“It was at midnight on Saturday that Fulani herdsmen invaded the communities and began shooting and attacking anyone on sight in retaliation for the cows that were killed.

“They thought we were the ones that killed their cows. Most of those killed were from Taraba and Oyo states who were farming in the communities. They didn’t spare anyone; they killed both old and young, and they also set buildings on fire.”

helinues:
Define heartless. Do you know more than the locals even if the police are lying

Why are you lots want to force this nonsense narration on us?

helinues:
Do you know more than the locals? They all got the news from NAN

helinues:
Sahara deserted ,stop forcing this nonsense narration on our throat

Tranquillity360:
Yoruba and fulanis are one

planetx:
A friend from Guinea was shocked when I told him we have a fulani president in Nigeria, he said that would never happen in Guinea which is their ancestral homeland and over their dead body will they have a fulani president. I was so ashamed I quickly changed the subject.