Kwara Farmer and Son Kidnapped, N20m Ransom Demanded

Bamidele Mathew, a 71-year-old farmer from Odo-Owa in Oke-Ero local government area of Kwara State, and his son were abducted on Tuesday at the Idofin-Igbana axis while heading to their farm. The kidnappers have demanded a ransom of N20 million and provided a 48-hour ultimatum for payment.

Kazeem, another son of Mathew, escaped the abduction and reported that multiple gunmen attacked them at gunpoint. Sunday Ayanwale, the oldest son, confirmed the ultimatum issued on Friday and stated that the family has only managed to gather N1.3 million through contributions and begging.

They have reported the incident to the Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, who is investigating the case, and the traditional ruler of Odo-Owa, who has mobilized local vigilantes for a rescue operation. However, no progress has been made in the rescue efforts as of now.