In Owo Local Government Area of Ondo state, the traditional ruler of Uso, Oba Ademola Oyinbade, has voiced concern over a surge in kidnappings, revealing that eight farmers were abducted in the past week alone. Distressed by the situation, the monarch disclosed that a climate of fear now prevents farmers from tending to their fields due to the presence of armed individuals in the community’s forests.
Oba Oyinbade lamented the abandonment of farms, emphasizing that despite ripe produce ready for harvest, some farmers are unable to access their fields. The invaders have effectively transformed the community into a desolate area, compelling the monarch to highlight the alarming frequency of daily kidnapping incidents, often resolved through ransom payments.
The Ondo State monarch decried the escalating situation, noting that farmers’ safety is compromised as they avoid going to their farms. He reported at least eight kidnapping incidents within the week, underscoring the urgency for intervention.
Oba Oyinbade also expressed bewilderment at the kidnappers’ modus operandi, revealing that, in addition to monetary ransom, they demand items such as tramadol tablets, cartons of milk, crates of malt drinks, eggs, and beverages.
Recounting a victim’s experience, the monarch detailed how kidnappers justified their criminal activities by claiming they needed funds to replace weapons confiscated by security operatives during a raid. Urging the state government to address the escalating crisis.
Oba Oyinbade appealed for the deployment of security agents to Uso, with the aim of curbing the free operation of these criminals and safeguard the Uso community and its environs.
IMAGE: Track News
