The Ondo State Police Command has confirmed a harrowing incident in Akure, where armed assailants shot a local farmer and abducted his wife, raising growing concerns over security in rural communities.
The attack occurred on Wednesday, March 4, around 8:45 p.m., along Oda Road, a busy route connecting several farming settlements in the state.
DSP Abayomi Jimoh, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, disclosed that the victim, identified as Adesida Daniel, a tomato farmer residing in Isagba Community, was injured while trying to resist the kidnappers.
“The command strongly condemns this criminal act carried out by suspected kidnappers who invaded the residence of the farmer,” Jimoh stated in a press briefing on Thursday.
According to the police, Daniel sustained a gunshot wound to his right hand during the attack.
The perpetrators, armed and aggressive, reportedly abducted his wife before fleeing the scene.
Promptly responding to the distress call, operatives from the state police command rushed to the location, provided immediate medical attention to Daniel at the Police Clinic, and secured the area to prevent further escalation.
The Ondo State Police Commissioner has ordered intensified patrols, detailed bush combing operations, and enhanced intelligence gathering in the affected communities.
Authorities are committed to tracking down the suspects and ensuring that justice is served.
“Residents are advised to remain vigilant, report any suspicious movements, and cooperate with security agencies to prevent further incidents,” DSP Jimoh added.
This violent act has further underscored growing security challenges in Ondo State, particularly in rural communities where farmers are frequent targets of kidnappers and armed criminals.
Over the past few years, such attacks have been reported along isolated roads and agricultural areas, creating fear and disrupting livelihoods.
The security agencies have, on multiple occasions, intensified patrols and operations aimed at deterring criminal activities, but sporadic incidents continue to test local law enforcement capabilities.
Security experts note that attacks on farmers not only endanger lives but also have broader implications for food production and community stability.
The Ondo State Police Command has therefore pledged to sustain high alert levels, especially during nighttime hours, and to collaborate with local vigilante groups and community leaders to strengthen intelligence networks.
Residents of farming communities have been urged to take precautionary measures, including avoiding late-night travel alone, securing their homes with reinforced doors and locks, and immediately reporting any unusual activities or strangers in their vicinity.
Police authorities emphasized that community cooperation is critical to combating kidnapping and violent crime effectively.
As the investigation continues, the police have promised to provide updates on the progress of operations aimed at apprehending the attackers.
The Ondo State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of all residents while sending a clear warning to criminal elements that the state remains resolute in combating crime.
This incident has highlighted the urgent need for enhanced rural security strategies in Ondo State, particularly along major farming routes and isolated settlements.
By combining intelligence gathering, proactive patrols, and community engagement, authorities aim to reduce the frequency of such violent attacks and restore confidence among local farmers and residents.
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