A Kwara State farmer has recounted a horrifying experience in captivity, alleging that kidnappers killed eight fellow victims after their families failed to meet ransom demands on time.
The farmer, who was abducted alongside his younger brother and two workers while travelling to their farm near Babanla in the Oke-Ode area, said the group was marched deep into the bush after being attacked.
According to him, they trekked for several hours before arriving at a camp where they met several other kidnapped persons.
He said the kidnappers subjected their victims to constant threats and violence, adding that he witnessed several captives being killed during his stay in the camp.
According to his account, the kidnappers allegedly executed victims whose families were unable to quickly provide the money demanded for their release.
The farmer and the three people abducted alongside him reportedly spent almost two months and 12 days in captivity before they regained their freedom on February 12.
He said the kidnappers initially demanded N400 million but that his family eventually paid about N27 million following a series of negotiations and additional demands.
Inside Kwara state:
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Apart from cash, the abductors allegedly requested provisions and other items. The farmer also claimed that his family’s houses, farms and other properties were destroyed during the period of the kidnapping.
After their release, the victims reportedly trekked through the bush for hours before reaching a military location, where they received food, clothing and assistance.
The farmer, who has since relocated from the area, called on authorities to intensify efforts to tackle insecurity and protect farmers and residents in vulnerable communities.
He said many farmers now face the difficult choice of abandoning their livelihoods or risking their lives by continuing to work in areas affected by kidnapping and violent attacks.
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