₦300 Million Ransom: Uncertainty As Kidnappers Seize Woman, Child In Sunday Igboho Community

The quiet farming community of Igbope, in Oke-Ogun, Oyo State, has been thrown into anxiety following the abduction of a woman and her child by armed men who reportedly invaded their residence in a late-night operation believed to have been targeted at her husband, a prominent poultry farmer in the area.

What began as another security incident has quickly developed into a major concern across Oyo North, exposing the growing fears among residents over the resurgence of kidnapping activities in communities that were once regarded as relatively peaceful.

Findings by Naija News revealed that the gunmen stormed the residence located in Igbope, a community near Igboho in Orelope Local Government Area, with the apparent intention of abducting the businessman.

However, circumstances surrounding the attack suggest that the suspected kidnappers were unable to take their primary target before fleeing with his wife and child.

Several residents who spoke with Naija News described the incident as one of the most brazen attacks recorded in the area in recent months. One of the residents who spoke to our correspondent claimed that a bag of money was recovered from the house when the assailants attacked late at night.

According to her, the man had just received the money from a thrift, which involved other business associates within the community.

As of the time of filing this report, the victims remained in captivity.

₦300 Million Ransom Shocks Family

Perhaps the most troubling aspect of the incident is the huge ransom demand allegedly placed on the victims.

Sources within the family disclosed that the kidnappers initially demanded a staggering ₦300 million before opening negotiations with relatives.

Naija News learnt that after several rounds of discussions, the abductors eventually reduced their demand to ₦150 million.

Despite the reduction, family members insist the amount remains beyond their financial capacity.

During a visit to the family residence in Igbeti, Olorunsogo Local Government Area, relatives painted a grim picture of the ongoing negotiations.

The victim’s siblings, who spoke during an interaction with Naija News correspondent, said the family had been left devastated by the development.

According to him, the family has continued to plead with the abductors to accept ₦7 million.

“The demand was initially ₦300 million. After much back and forth, they reduced it to ₦150 million. We have continued to plead with them because there is no way the family can raise such money.

“We are begging them to accept ₦7 million. That is what we believe can be sourced, but they have not agreed,” the family member said.

Another relative described the situation as emotionally draining, saying family members have barely slept since the abduction occurred.

“We are living in fear and uncertainty. Every phone call gives us anxiety because we don’t know what the kidnappers may say next,” the relative added.

Release Rumours Prove False

As the tension escalated, reports began circulating across parts of Oyo State on Saturday claiming that the victims had regained their freedom.

However, an independent verification by Naija News showed that the reports were inaccurate.

When our correspondent contacted a relative, he categorically denied receiving the victims.

Family members expressed frustration over what they described as misleading information capable of creating false hope.

The clarification has further highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the incident and the difficulty in obtaining accurate information during kidnapping negotiations.

Community Gripped By Fear

Beyond the affected family, the incident has triggered widespread concern across Igbope, Igboho and neighbouring communities.

Residents who spoke with Naija News said fear has become the dominant mood across the area.

Some farmers disclosed that they have become reluctant to visit remote farmlands, while traders expressed concern about travelling after dark.

A resident of Igbope, who requested anonymity, said many community members are worried that criminal groups may have established operational networks within the area.

“The fear is real. People are becoming uncomfortable. Farmers are afraid, business owners are worried and families are becoming more security conscious.

“When criminals can invade a home and kidnap a woman and child while demanding hundreds of millions of naira, people naturally begin to ask questions about their safety,” the resident said.

Police Confirm Incident, Reject Bandit Label

To ascertain the official position of security agencies, Naija News correspondent visited the Igbope Police Division.

The Divisional Police Officer, SP Saheed, confirmed that the incident occurred.

However, he declined to comment extensively on the matter, explaining that he was not authorised to speak on the investigation.

The DPO subsequently directed our correspondent to the spokesperson of the Oyo State Police Command.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer confirmed knowledge of the incident and assured residents that investigations were ongoing.

The command spokesperson stated that security operatives were actively working to rescue the victims and track down those responsible.

“We are aware of the development. Security operatives are investigating the matter and efforts are ongoing.

“If those responsible are apprehended, they will face the wrath of the law,” the police spokesman said.

The command, however, pushed back against widespread claims that the abductors were bandits.

According to the spokesperson, there is presently no evidence linking the suspects to any known bandit group.

“We cannot confirm that they are bandits. At this stage, we can only describe them as criminals. Investigation is ongoing and we do not want to speculate,” he added.

The clarification comes amid growing public concern over the increasing use of the term “bandits” to describe virtually every armed kidnapping incident occurring across the country.

Sunday Igboho’s Return Fuels Conversation

The kidnapping has also reignited discussions around security in Oke-Ogun following the return of Yoruba Nation agitator, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho.

Naija News correspondent, who visited Igboho on Saturday, observed heightened security consciousness among residents.

During the visit, our correspondent also had the opportunity to visit Sunday Igboho’s residence.

Although a one-on-one interaction with the activist was not possible, his return to the town on Friday night has generated significant attention.

The development came amid growing concerns over reported kidnapping incidents across parts of Oke-Ogun.

Hours later, the Yoruba Nation activist addressed Fulani leaders in Igboho Town at the town’s monarch’s palace, where he issued a two-hour ultimatum to them to release the corpse of the kidnapped pregnant woman.

Igboho also frowned at the demand for a ransom of ₦300 million, which was later reduced to ₦150 million, stressing that the victims will never pay the money.

The Yoruba agitator further threatened that he would have a problem with the Fulani leaders if the corpse is not released within the stipulated time.

In a viral footage recorded during the conversation, the activist openly condemned kidnapping and violent crimes within Igboho and surrounding communities.

He warned Fulani elements and criminal groups allegedly involved in kidnapping and killings to stay away from the area.

He also issued an ultimatum to those holding innocent residents captive.

His comments have since dominated discussions across the region, with many residents viewing his intervention as a reflection of growing frustration over insecurity.

Anxiety In Oke-Ogun

While negotiations continue behind closed doors, the latest incident has once again exposed concerns about rural security across Oyo North, especially in the face of illegal mining activities in the area.

For many residents, the abduction is no longer just about one family. It has become a test of the capacity of security agencies to respond swiftly, dismantle kidnapping networks and restore confidence among residents.

As of Saturday night, the whereabouts of the abducted woman and child remained unknown.

The family continues to negotiate, the community remains on edge, and security agencies are under increasing pressure to ensure that the victims return home safely.