By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Akure
ONDO; Residents of Owo Local Government Area in Ondo State have been thrown into panic following the abduction of a businessman, Tope Faaji, his wife, and daughter by suspected bandits.
The victims were kidnapped at the entrance of their residence along Ipele Road while returning home from work on Friday evening. A close associate of the victim, who confirmed the incident, said the family was attacked as they attempted to enter their home.
“We were fasting together that evening. After breaking our fast, we parted ways, only for me to receive a call from his son informing me that his father, mother, and sister had been kidnapped. The boy was with them in the vehicle but stepped out to open the gate when the gunmen struck,” the source said.
The kidnappers have since contacted the family, demanding an initial ransom of N30 million, which was later reduced to N20 million after negotiations.
The incident comes just days after nine surveyors were abducted by gunmen in the Owode/Ilu Abo area of Akure North Local Government. The rising wave of abductions has sparked concerns among residents and professional bodies in the state.
Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Surveyors (NIS) in the state, Tajudeen Bello, lamented the deteriorating security situation, saying members of the association now fear working on project sites.
“We can no longer move freely due to the fear of being kidnapped for ransom. The government must act swiftly to curb this menace,” Bello said.
Similarly, the president of Ooye Development Initiatives (ODI), a socio-cultural group in Akure, Tokunbo Jegede, decried the increasing rate of kidnappings, robberies, and killings in the state.
“Our people are living in fear as bandits continue to kidnap and kill innocent citizens without any government intervention. We call on Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to prioritise the protection of lives and property,” Jegede stated.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, said she was yet to confirm the incident but promised to provide further updates.
Residents are urging the state government and security agencies to intensify efforts in combating the rising insecurity that is crippling the state’s economy and scaring away investors.