Suspected terrorists have abducted 10 travellers, including a recently discharged National Youth Service Corps member, in Ogun State and are demanding ₦25 million for their release.
The attack occurred on Tuesday evening at Ijebu Awa, a boundary community between Ogun and Oyo states, along the Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan road.
The victims were travelling towards Ibadan when gunmen intercepted their vehicle.One of those seized is 24-year-old Olusoji Adedapo (also referred to as Dapo), who completed his national service in Edo State last week and was returning home to Ibadan.
Family members said he left Benin City earlier that day.
According to his cousin, Adeseye Timilehin, the family learnt of the abduction shortly after 7pm when one passenger managed to escape and raise the alarm. Relatives reported the incident at a police station.
While returning, they received a call from the abductors, who initially demanded ₦20 million. The gunmen briefly allowed Adedapo to speak with his mother to confirm he was alive before the demand was later raised to ₦25 million, with a deadline for payment.
Timilehin said the family had so far raised only ₦700,000 and is appealing for urgent assistance. Adedapo later contacted him directly, pleading for support to meet the ransom, his voice shaking throughout the conversation.
Police in Ogun State confirmed that some persons were abducted in the area and said investigations are ongoing.
However, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, stated that none of the victims was a serving corps member.
Families of the abducted travellers have called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intervene and secure their safe release.
