Kidnappers who abducted Joseph Aladesuyi, secretary of Okeluju Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Akoko North West Local Government Area of Ondo State, have demanded N100 million for his release, family sources said.
Mr Aladesuyi was abducted on Monday at his farm located in the Kajola axis of Ilu-Abo in Akure North Local Government Area, alongside two other persons.
A family member, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, said the kidnappers contacted relatives about 24 hours after the incident, demanding the ransom.
“They called around 7 a.m. and demanded N100 million before they would release him,” the source said.
“The conversation was very brief and tense. They did not even allow us to say much during the call.”
The source said the contact confirmed that the council official was still alive but described the ransom demand as overwhelming.
“We have been extremely worried since yesterday, but the call has given us a little hope. However, the amount they demanded is enormous. How can a family suddenly raise N100 million?” the source said.
The family also disclosed that Mr Aladesuyi sustained a gunshot injury in one of his hands during the attack on the farm.
The spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, Mr Abayomi Jimoh, confirmed that security operatives had intensified efforts to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
Mr Jimoh said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Adebowale Lawal, had ordered the deployment of operational and intelligence resources to track down the kidnappers.
“Security operatives, alongside unconventional security outfits, are currently combing nearby forests and surrounding communities as part of ongoing efforts to locate the perpetrators and secure the release of the victims,” Mr Jimoh said.
Residents protest insecurity
Meanwhile, residents of Ilu-Abo and neighbouring communities in Akure North Local Government Area staged a protest on Tuesday over the rising wave of kidnappings in the area.
The demonstrators blocked the busy Akure-Owo expressway, causing heavy gridlock on the highway that connects the southern part of Nigeria to the northern region.
The protesters, mostly youths, carried placards with inscriptions such as “We Are Dying, Save Our Souls,” “Mr Governor, Please Assist Us,” and “Our Children Are in Danger.”
One protester said insecurity had made it difficult for residents to carry out daily activities.
“We cannot sleep again in our communities. Every night, we are afraid because kidnappers are everywhere. We cannot even go to our farms again, which is our only source of livelihood,” the protester said.
The demonstrators demanded urgent intervention from Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, insisting that authorities must take decisive action to address the worsening security situation.
Police appeal for calm
Mr Lawal visited the protest site and appealed to the residents to allow traffic to flow freely.
“I appeal to you to remain calm and allow the free flow of traffic. The police, together with other security agencies, including Amotekun, will intensify efforts to ensure the safety of lives and property in your communities,” Mr Lawal said.
The police commissioner also visited the traditional ruler of Ilu-Abo, Oba Olu Falae, and briefed the monarch on the steps being taken to improve security in the community.
Mr Lawal assured residents that additional police personnel and tactical units would be deployed to the area.
Suspected kidnap kingpin arrested
In a related development, the Ondo State Police Command announced the arrest of a suspected kidnapping kingpin linked to a previous abduction case in the state.
Mr Jimoh said the suspect, Abdullahi Lawal, was allegedly the mastermind behind the kidnapping of a farmer, Aremu Tijani, in Ikare-Akoko on 18 August 2025.
According to Mr Jimoh, the suspect had earlier escaped during a gun battle with security operatives despite sustaining gunshot injuries.
“Following his escape, the Command placed the suspect on an intelligence watchlist while surveillance and investigations were launched to track his movements,” Mr Jimoh said.
He added that the suspect was later arrested during an intelligence-led operation in Ikare-Akoko and had made useful confessional statements.
Mr Jimoh said the suspect would soon be charged in court.
Background
Kidnapping has become a major security concern in several parts of Ondo State, particularly in rural communities where farmers are frequently targeted.
Residents have repeatedly called for a stronger security presence in farming communities and forest areas where criminal groups often operate.
Police authorities said operations were ongoing to dismantle kidnapping networks across the state.
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