Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted Joseph Aladesuyi, the Secretary of Okeluju Local Council Development Area (LCDA) under Akoko North West Local Council, along with two other individuals near Akure Airport in Ondo State.

Aladesuyi, who is also the Managing Director of Jotina Farms, was seized on his farm in the Kajola area of Ilu-Abo, approximately five kilometres from the airport. The incident occurred around 10:00 a.m. on Monday, heightening fears in a community that has in recent months faced multiple killings and abductions.

According to sources, about ten heavily armed men stormed the farm, firing sporadically into the air before overpowering the victims and fleeing into nearby forests with their captives.

A family source said Aladesuyi was on his farm with his daughter when the attackers struck:

“He arrived at the farm around 9:00 a.m. with his daughter. Shortly after, the kidnappers arrived and started shooting into the air. They dragged him away, and in the process, one of them shot him in the hand. They left his daughter unharmed but warned her they were taking her father,” the source said.

The identities of the other two abducted individuals have not yet been confirmed, and as of press time, the kidnappers had not contacted the family for ransom demands.

The shooting caused widespread panic, with parents rushing to withdraw their children from nearby schools. Security forces—including the police, Amotekun corps, and local vigilante groups—have launched a manhunt, combing dense forests where the gunmen are believed to have fled.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Jimoh Abayomi, said he had not yet received official details of the abduction.

Amid growing insecurity, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa recently stated that no bandits or terrorists have operated in Ondo State since the 2022 Owo massacre, reassuring residents of ongoing security efforts.