Residents of Ijebu Jesa in Osun State were thrown into anxiety following the alleged abduction of a prominent Fulani herdsman, Yahaya Sulaimon, by suspected gunmen late on Monday night.
The incident was said to have occurred around 9 p.m. along the Iloko/Ijebu Jesa Road in Oriade Local Government Area.
Sources in the community disclosed that the attackers stormed the area and reportedly asked residents about the whereabouts of the herdsman before eventually identifying and whisking him away to an unknown destination.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the development has created fear among people living in the area. According to another security source, the kidnappers appeared to have carefully planned the operation, as they specifically searched for Sulaimon before carrying out the abduction.
It was further gathered that the abductors had allegedly contacted people close to the victim and demanded a ransom of N70 million for his release. Community members described Sulaimon as a well-known figure among Fulani herders in the area.
The Osun State Police Command while confirming the incident said investigations had commenced.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Abiodun Ojelabi, explained that officers moved to the scene immediately after the report was received, adding that efforts were ongoing to rescue the victim while appealing to members of the public to provide useful information that could assist the investigation.