The Ondo State Amotekun Corps has confirmed that three of its personnel sustained injuries during a fierce exchange of gunfire with armed men suspected of abducting seven farmers over the weekend.
The victims were taken on Saturday while working on their farmland in Itaogbolu, a community in Akure North Local Government Area. At the time of the attack, the farmers were reportedly harvesting palm fruits.
The following day, the abductors reached out to the families of the kidnapped individuals, demanding a ransom of N100 million before they could be freed.
The State Commander of the Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, made the development known on Wednesday during a telephone interview, where he described the gun duel that left three officers severely injured.
Mr Adeleye explained the armed hoodlums opened fire on the Amotekun operatives when they discovered that they were being trailed.
He said although no life was lost, three of the Amotekun officers sustained severe injuries and were hospitalised.
He stated, “We caught up to them yesterday (Tuesday), but they opened fire on us which resulted in my men sustaining severe injuries. Three of them were almost killed. We are hot on their trail and will not stop until the victims are released. We are camped in the bush and that is where we sleep. By God’s grace, we will secure the victims’ release.”
He further assured that the corps remains fully committed to tracking down the kidnappers and ensuring the safe return of the victims.
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