Armed men have abducted Oreoluwa Osunuga, a businessman and son-in-law of veteran journalist Ayo Akinyemi, former Managing Director of the defunct Monitor newspaper, in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State. The kidnappers have demanded ₦500 million for his release, according to reports.
Abduction During Routine Business Trip
Osunuga, who operates a poultry farm, was kidnapped on Sunday afternoon while leaving his farm settlement in Ikenne to attend routine business activities. He was reportedly driving out of the farm to purchase fuel and deliver poultry products when gunmen intercepted him and whisked him away.
The incident was later reported to the police, prompting officers from the Ikenne Divisional Police Headquarters to visit the scene and recover a 2017 Toyota Highlander car belonging to the victim.
Ransom Demand and Police Response
The situation has become more alarming after the abductors reportedly contacted Osunuga's family using his mobile phone, demanding ₦500 million for his release. As of the time of filing this report, his whereabouts remained unknown, and the Ogun State Police Command had yet to issue a formal statement.
Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Olubode Ojajuni, confirmed the abduction to Premium Times on Monday morning, stating that police had commenced efforts to rescue the victim and that there had been progress in the operation. “We got the report of the kidnapping case and we are currently doing our investigation and making progress to rescue the victims,” Ojajuni said.
Rising Security Concerns in Ogun
The abduction has heightened concerns among residents and business operators in the area, particularly those whose farms and other commercial activities are located away from major settlements. It comes amid a series of recent kidnapping incidents, underscoring the persistent security challenge confronting residents, especially in areas close to forests and rural settlements.
In July, suspected gunmen kidnapped a lady and a man, Kelvin Ayobami and Kehinde Rufai, in the Kobape area of the Obafemi-Owode LGA, subsequently demanding ₦50 million for their release. The victims were later freed following the payment of ransom by family members.
Previous Anti-Kidnapping Operations
In May, the Ogun State Police Command said its Anti-Kidnapping Unit killed two suspected kidnappers, Seriki Abdullahi and Mohammed Bello, and arrested two others following the abduction of three people at Ipojo area of Iperin, Atan-Ijebu. The operation led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, another firearm, and ₦1.5 million suspected to be ransom proceeds.
Days later, police said they also neutralized a suspected kidnapping kingpin during an operation in the Orile Ilugun Forest along the Abeokuta-Ibadan Expressway, following the release of a kidnapped victim from Odeda. Police recovered an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, cash, and mobile phones.
In June, police reported rescuing a kidnapping victim after a gun battle with suspected kidnappers in Ogun. Two suspects were killed during the operation, while officers recovered ₦2.2 million, a firearm, and other items linked to the gang, according to the command.
