Gunmen have abducted a farm owner, Oreoluwa Osonuga, in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State, reportedly demanding ₦500 million for his release.
Osonuga was reportedly kidnapped on Sunday afternoon while driving out to purchase fuel and deliver poultry products.
According to sources familiar with the incident, the assailants intercepted his vehicle and forced him away. His 2017 Toyota Highlander SUV was reportedly abandoned at the scene and later recovered by the Divisional Police Officer in Ikenne.
The kidnappers are said to have contacted Osonuga’s family using his phone and demanded ₦500 million as ransom.
The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, confirmed the abduction on Sunday night, saying security operatives had commenced efforts to locate the victim and apprehend the perpetrators.
Ojajuni also assured the family that the police were taking necessary measures to secure Osonuga’s safe release.
Osonuga is the son of Dr Osonuga Bunmi, a lecturer in the Department of Physiology at Olabisi Onabanjo University, and Mrs Osonuga Tiwalade, a senior teacher in Ayepe, Ijebu.
He is also related by marriage to veteran journalist Ayo Akinyemi.
The abduction has heightened concerns over the safety of residents, farmers and business owners in parts of Ogun State and the wider South-West, as security agencies intensify efforts to track down the kidnappers and rescue the victim.
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