Gunmen kidnap, kill butchers after luring them to buy cows in Ondo

Kidnappers suspected to be herdsmen have killed two butchers, few hours after they were abducted in Ondo State.

The bodies of the two butchers who were among the four earlier kidnapped were found in Ala forest reserve, Akure North Local Government Area of the State.

It was reported that four butchers were kidnapped by gunmen on Monday at Ajadusi community within Ala town while on their way from Akure to purchase cows.

Bodies of two of the butchers were found inside the bush by a team led by the police, while one of the victims, Nasiru Jamiu, who was deeply macheted on the head, is currently receiving treatment at a hospital after he was left for dead.

Jamiu disclosed that some Fulani herders who sell cows to his boss had called them to come and buy some cows at Ala farm

Jamiu said “The Fulani people that use to sell cows to my boss called him to come and buy cows. Though he had been selling cows to him before, it has been long before they both transacted business.

“On getting to Ala, they entered into the bush while four of us were waiting beside the vehicle. Surprisingly they returned with guns and started shooting to the air. They kidnapped my boss inside the bush.

“Three of us left to run for our lives but as I was macheted, I fell and pretended as if I had died.”

Confirming the incident, the Spokesperson of Nigeria Police in the State, DSP Funmi Odunlami, said investigations had begun over the development.

Odunlami added that those who perpetrated the act had called the unit to which the butchers belonged and informed them that the remaining butcher was with them and still alive.

“Two of the three butchers have been killed. Their bodies were found in Tafa camp within the Ala forest reserve by our men while searching and combing the bush after we were alerted about the abduction.

“The butcher who was macheted on his face was found groaning in pain at the camp when police arrived at the scene. The victim was rushed to a general hospital for treatment and later taken to a police hospital in Akure for further treatment and he is recuperating.”