Abductors Of Kwara Farmer, Son Give Family 48-Hour Ultimatum To Pay N20m Ransom

The abductors of a 71-year-old Kwara farmer, Bamidele Mathew ( a.k.a Dele Photo) and his son have given the family a 48- hour deadline to pay N20m ransom for their release.

The victims who are natives of Odo- Owa in Oke- Ero local government area of Kwara State were abducted on Tuesday at Idofin- Igbana axis of the community while on their way to farm.

Another son of the farmer, Kazeem who narrowly escaped kidnap told our correspondent that many gunmen had emerged from the bush, attacked them at gunpoint and whisked away his father and brother.

The oldest son of the farmer, Mr Sunday Ayanwale, confirmed the 48-hour ultimatum to LEADERSHIP Sunday yesterday.

He said the ultimatum was issued on Friday, adding that appeals to the kidnappers to reduce the ransom were fruitless.

“As we speak, we have only been able to source for N300,000 through begging. All of us, the five children have decided to contribute N200,000 each to make it N1.3m.

But since Friday we have not heard from the kidnappers who used to call us with our father’s phone. They always switched off the phone after each call,” he added.

Ayanwale said the family had reported the case to the commissioner of police in the state and the traditional ruler of Odo- Owa.

“We have reported the incident to Kwara State commissioner of police who requested for the phone number the kidnappers were using to call us. He promised to expedite action on the release of the abductees.

“On his part, the Kabiyesi of our town said he had asked the forest guards and the local vigilantes to comb the forest and rescue the abductees. But, up till now, the rescue operation has not been fruitful,” he added.

He appealed to the Kwara and Oke- Oro council governments to come to their aid as they lack the capacity to meet the demand of the kidnappers.

The commissioner of police, Mr Adekimi Ojo could not be reached at the time of filing this report.

When contacted, the coordinator of Kwara South Local Security Watch, Elder Kayode Oyin- Zubair, said he was not aware of the abduction.