Panic has gripped residents of Venra community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State following a midnight attack by suspected bandits that left one person dead and a farm owner abducted.
The incident, which occurred around 2:00 a.m. on Wednesday at Musa Parapura farm settlement along the Venra-Tenebo road, saw gunmen storm the area, killing a labourer and whisking away the farm owner, identified as Musa Parapura.
The deceased worker, believed to be a national of the Republic of Benin, had reportedly arrived at the farm just a day before the attack.
A community leader, Sariki Samari, disclosed that the kidnappers later established contact with the victim’s family using his mobile phone, demanding a ransom of N20 million and two brand new Haojue motorcycles for his release.
“They called the family with the victim’s phone and are insisting on N20 million cash and two new motorcycles before they can free him,” the community leader said.
Security sources confirmed that a joint team comprising police operatives, other security agencies and local vigilantes has since been deployed to the area.
According to the sources, the team has launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation across nearby forests and bush paths to track down the assailants and rescue the abducted farmer.
“The joint patrol moved swiftly after receiving the report. Efforts are ongoing to locate the kidnappers and ensure the victim is rescued safely,” a source said.
It was further gathered that security personnel have visited and documented the crime scene, while photographs of the deceased labourer were taken as part of ongoing investigations.
Authorities say efforts are underway to establish the identity of the slain worker, apprehend those behind the attack, and prevent a recurrence of such incidents in the area.
