From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
One of the four farm workers abducted on Saturday at the poultry farm of the Farm Settlement, Iseyin, has been killed. The body of the farmer, Michael Adeyemi, was retrieved by security operatives causing panic among families and friends of the remaining abducted victims.
Adeyemi was kidnapped alongside the farm manager and two others. He was reportedly shot during gun duel between security operatives and kidnappers on Monday. His corpse was taken to his hometown, Ile Ogbo, Iwo, Osun State.
The killing of Adeyemi put a temporary stoppage to the rescue operation. It was gathered that the rescue team had to abandon the effort not to cause any more deaths of the remaining victims.
A source within the search party said: “We had to turn back immediately we realised that the kidnappers might result to killing others out of frustration.
“The corpse of the victim was deposited at a hospital in Iseyin and later taken to Ile Ogbo for burial. It is pathetic.”
The kidnappers reportedly increased the ransom on the three remaining victims to N40million from N20million earlier requested on Sunday evening.
A source hinted that the increase, according to the leader of the syndicate who spoke with the owner of the poultry farm on phone, was as a result of “how the security forces have decided to make the operation tough for them in the forest.
“They didn’t expect that there would be such a frantic chase and search operation by the security.
“He told the farm owner on phone that he increased the money because of the tough times the security have given the kidnappers.”
Government had earlier deployed a security team to Ipapo/Iseyin axis in the Oyo North Senatorial District.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Adeniyi Adebisi, said: “A security team comprising police and the military has been dispatched to support the existing security architecture in the area.
“Though the ugly incident happened outside the State Farm Settlement (Ipapo/Iseyin), the state government prioritises protection of life and property of every resident of the state, farmers inclusive.”
A statement by the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, said: “Government pledges to take every step to safely return those abducted to their loved ones.
The military team is expected to join the operation that is planned to not only rescue the victims but also ensure that appropriate actions are taken against the perpetrators.
“It is in pursuant of this that all security agencies in the state including the Nigerian Army have been mobilised to the area and are in hot pursuit of the criminals. Government is collaborating with security agencies to rescue the abductees within shortest possible time and prevent reoccurrence of the sad event.”