The association, in a statement dated August 14, 2026, and signed by its Public Relations Officer, Sogunle Rotimi, on behalf of the body, expressed “profound appreciation” for the deployment of security apparatus to secure the farmer's release.
Osonuga, a 33-year-old poultry farmer, was abducted at about 12:05 p.m. on Sunday, August 9, while reportedly driving out of the farm settlement. The gunmen were said to have intercepted his vehicle, shot at it and forcibly dragged him into a nearby bush.
The development had heightened concerns among farmers in the settlement, particularly after the abductors reportedly established contact with the victim's family and demanded N500 million for his release. Security operatives, including the police anti-kidnapping unit and military personnel, subsequently commenced a search operation in the surrounding forest.
AFAN, in its statement, said the successful intervention had demonstrated the importance of effective security in protecting farmers and sustaining agricultural activities, particularly in rural and farm-settlement communities.
The association also recalled the security challenges confronting farmers in the Ikenne axis, noting that another farmer in the settlement had reportedly been abducted on April 1 and spent days in captivity before gaining freedom after a ransom was paid.
While expressing gratitude for the latest development, AFAN said it would remain grateful for efforts aimed at ensuring peaceful coexistence and creating a conducive environment for farmers and other businesses to thrive.
The association urged the government and security agencies to sustain the momentum by strengthening security around farm settlements, saying farmers could only contribute effectively to food production when they were assured of the safety of their lives, workers and investments.
AFAN's statement was signed by Sogunle Rotimi, Public Relations Officer, on behalf of the association.
