Gunmen have reportedly abducted a Fulani herdsman identified as Yahaya Sulaiman in Ijebu Jesa, Osun State.
The abductors were said to have demanded a ransom of N70 million for his release.
Sources in the community, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, said the incident occurred around 9 pm on Monday.
A security source in the area disclosed that the victim appeared to have been specifically targeted by the attackers.
According to the source, the gunmen reportedly made inquiries about Sulaiman’s whereabouts from a resident before locating and abducting him.
The source further stated that the incident happened along the Iloko/Ijebu Jesa Road in Oriade Local Government Area.
He explained that the victim is a prominent Fulani herder in the community and is well known for cattle rearing activities.
The source added that the kidnappers later contacted the victim’s family and demanded N70 million ransom.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the matter was reported to the police and officers immediately moved to the scene.
Ojelabi stated that preliminary findings indicated that the victim was deliberately singled out by the attackers.
He explained that the gunmen had specifically asked residents about the victim before carrying out the abduction.
The police spokesperson said an investigation has commenced while efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim and apprehend the perpetrators.
He also appealed to members of the public with useful information to assist security agencies in the ongoing operation.
Ojelabi added that although the victim’s family had yet to formally report to the anti-kidnapping unit, the police had already commenced necessary actions on the matter.
