Gunmen attacked a farmer in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, on Wednesday night, shooting him and abducting his wife during a violent raid on their residence. Police authorities confirmed the incident and said security operatives have begun operations to locate the suspects and rescue the victim.
The Ondo State Police Command said the attack occurred around 8:45 p.m. in the Isagba community along Oda Road in Akure.
Police spokesperson DSP Abayomi Jimoh stated that armed men invaded the home of Adesida Daniel, a tomato farmer, during the incident. The attackers reportedly abducted Daniel’s wife while the farmer sustained a gunshot wound to his right hand after attempting to resist them.
According to the police, officers responded quickly after receiving a distress call. Security operatives were deployed to the scene, where the injured farmer was evacuated and taken to the Police Clinic for treatment while the area was secured.
The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State has ordered intensified patrols, intelligence gathering, and bush-combing operations across the affected area and surrounding communities to track down the attackers.
Police authorities assured residents that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the suspects and secure the safe release of the abducted woman.
Residents were also urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or individuals to the nearest police station.
The attack highlights ongoing security challenges in parts of Ondo State, where incidents involving kidnappings and attacks on farmers have been reported in several rural communities in recent years. Security agencies have continued to increase patrols and surveillance in vulnerable areas in response to the growing concerns.