Date: 2021-05-31

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted an Ilorin- born American returnee.

Muritala Adebayo was said to have been kidnapped on his farm located at Pampo, Asa local government area, last Thursday.

An eyewitness said: "We were all at the farm when suddenly we started hearing sporadic gunshots and we all scampered for safety.

"Some few minutes later, we learnt the owner of a neighboring farm had been kidnapped."

Adebayo's abductors, it was gathered had demanded a ransom of N100 million to secure his release.

Kidnapped victim's family source confirmed the abductors had contacted the family and made a demand of N100m in exchange for his release.

The said: "They have called us more than four times, asking us to ensure we get the money or he will not be returned alive. We are doing everything humanly possible to secure his release."

Spokesperson of Kwara Police Command Ajayi Okasanmi confirmed the incident, adding the command got distress call from a member of the victim late on Thursday night

He added: "Immediately the state Commissioner of police Mohammed Bagega deployed a team of investigators to the scene of the incident on Friday. The investigators combed everywhere in and around the farm.

"The command is doing everything possible to ensure the safe rescue of the victim and the arrest of the suspected abductors."

On the alleged demand for ransom, Okasanmi said: "Police cannot be a party to ransom payment to suspected kidnappers. Rather we enjoin families of kidnapped victims to collaborate with the police for the safe release/rescue of the members."