The family of a 78-year-old farmer, Joel Adeyemo, who was kidnapped on his farm in Ofosu, Ondo State, has disclosed that the abductors are demanding a ransom of N60m for his release.
Metro learnt in an exclusive interview with the victim’s son, Taiwo Adeyemo, on Wednesday that the incident occurred last Monday while Joel was working on his farm.
Taiwo said his father had gone to the farm, as was his routine, but failed to return home, prompting the family to report the incident to the police.
He narrated that it was two days later that the kidnappers contacted the family and demanded N60m as ransom before he would be released.
“The incident happened last Monday around 7pm. He went to his farm, and we expected him to return, but he didn’t, so we reported to the police.
“It was two days later that the kidnappers reached out and demanded N60m ransom before they would release him.”
He added that the family had appealed to the abductors to reduce the ransom, but the kidnappers refused to yield to their plea.
Taiwo further noted that the kidnappers contacted the family again two days after their initial call and insisted on the same ransom demand.
He said the development had thrown the family into distress, considering the victim’s age and the uncertainty surrounding his condition.
He continued, “The painful part is that we do not have money. We have put up his farm and some other properties for sale, but we have yet to see a buyer.
“The kidnappers reached out two days after, and they are still insisting on the N60m. The family is worried at the moment because he is an elderly man and we don’t know what he may be going through.”
He further alleged that despite persistent communication with security agencies in Ondo and Abuja, the family had not seen tangible efforts toward rescuing his father.
“The police are not doing anything. I called the anti-kidnapping unit in Abuja, and they referred me back to the unit in Ondo, but there are no visible efforts from them.
“I am appealing to the police, the Army, Amotekun and all security agencies to help in rescuing my dad. He is an elderly man who does not deserve to pass through this,” he added.
When contacted on Wednesday, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, Abayomi Jimoh, condemned the abduction and said efforts were ongoing to rescue the victim.
“The command strongly condemns this reprehensible act and has immediately initiated coordinated operations, including the deployment of additional security personnel and assets to the affected area, to ensure the safe and unharmed rescue of the victim.
“The command assures the public that no criminal will perpetrate crime and go unpunished, as it remains resolute and fully committed to combating all forms of crime and criminality,” Jimoh said.
Kidnapping has remained a persistent security challenge in Ondo State and across Nigeria, with victims often released only after the payment of huge ransoms.
Metro reported in September 2025 that reports indicated that many cases are aided by local collaborators who provide information to criminal groups, complicating rescue efforts.
Across the country, abduction for ransom has evolved into a widespread criminal enterprise affecting both rural communities and travellers, with security experts linking the trend to weak institutions, unemployment, and the proliferation of small arms.