Three operatives of the Ondo State Security Network Agency, known as Amotekun Corps, have sustained injuries during a firefight with suspected kidnappers behind the abduction of seven farmers in the state.
The farmers were kidnapped on Saturday while working on their farmland in Itaogbolu, a rural community in Akure North Local Government Area.
In a phone interview on Wednesday, the state Amotekun Commander, Adetunji Adeleye, confirmed the encounter between his men and the kidnappers, which occurred in the forest during a search operation.
Mr Adeleye explained that the armed gunmen opened fire on the Amotekun operatives when they discovered that they were being trailed.
He stated, “We caught up to them yesterday (Tuesday), but they opened fire on us which resulted in my men sustaining severe injuries. Three of them were almost killed. We are hot on their trail and will not stop until the victims are released. We are camped in the bush and that is where we sleep. By God’s grace, we will secure the victims’ release.”
Adeleye reiterated the agency’s resolve to continue its operations in the forest until the victims are rescued and the perpetrators brought to justice.