Victim seized while returning from farm; family recovers abandoned motorcycle, appeals for urgent intervention.

Gunmen have abducted a farmer, identified as Owoade, in Oyo State, demanding a ransom of ₦30 million for his release.

According to the victim’s family, the incident occurred between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, as he was returning home from his farm. The kidnappers reportedly contacted the family shortly after the abduction using the victim’s mobile phone, issuing a ₦30 million ransom demand.

The victim’s son, Abiola Owoade, said a search party discovered his father’s abandoned motorcycle in a nearby bush on Sunday morning, heightening fears over his safety.

He called on security agencies—including the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Amotekun Corps, as well as local hunters and vigilantes—to intensify efforts to secure his father’s safe release.

Confirming the incident, the Oyo State Police Command stated that the farmer was kidnapped at his farm in Budo Aare. The Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Olayinka Ayanlade, said security operatives have commenced a coordinated operation to rescue the victim unharmed and apprehend the perpetrators.