Gunmen Shoot Tomato Farmer, Abduct Wife in Akure Night Raid

 Suspected kidnappers struck terror in a quiet agricultural community in Akure South Local Government Area of Ondo State on Wednesday night, shooting a tomato farmer and abducting his wife in a brazen home invasion.

The incident occurred around 8:45 p.m. at the residence of Mr. Adesida Daniel (also referred to as Daniel Adesida), a tomato farmer in the Isagba Community along Oda Road, Pelebe axis. According to eyewitness accounts and police confirmation, the armed assailants invaded the couple's home while they were outside.

When the farmer attempted to resist the abduction of his wife, the gunmen opened fire, shooting him in the right hand. He was left bleeding profusely at the scene as the kidnappers whisked his wife away to an unknown destination.

The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment, where his condition is reported to be stable, though details on his full recovery remain unclear at the time of filing this report.

The Ondo State Police Command swiftly confirmed the attack through its spokesperson, DSP Abayomi Jimoh. In a statement, the command strongly condemned the incident, describing it as a "criminal act carried out by suspected kidnappers."

“The command strongly condemns the criminal act carried out by suspected kidnappers who invaded the residence of one Adesida Daniel, a tomato farmer in Isagba Community, along Oda Road," the statement read. "During the incident, the victim sustained a gunshot injury to his right hand while attempting to resist the assailants who had reportedly abducted his wife."

Police operatives have launched a manhunt for the perpetrators and are working to secure the safe release of the abducted woman. Authorities have urged residents in the area to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, while assuring the public that efforts are intensified to combat the rising wave of kidnappings in the state.

This latest attack adds to growing concerns over insecurity in Ondo State, particularly in rural and farming communities where kidnappers have increasingly targeted residents for ransom. Locals in Pelebe and surrounding areas expressed fear and called for enhanced security presence to protect vulnerable farmers and families.

The police have appealed to anyone with useful information about the incident or the whereabouts of the abducted woman to contact the nearest police station or the command's emergency lines.