Four individuals, including a recent graduate of the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta (FUNAAB), were tragically abducted by suspected kidnappers on Tuesday night in the Alabata area of Abeokuta, the capital city of Ogun State.
Immediate Police Response and Ransom Demand
The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed that rescue operations were initiated promptly upon receiving the report of the abduction. According to information relayed by Channels Television, armed assailants stormed a farm where the victims were working, forcibly taking them to an undisclosed location.
The Students' Union Government (SUG) of FUNAAB issued a statement revealing that the kidnappers have demanded a staggering ₦500 million ransom for the safe release of the four captives. The union confirmed that the abduction was reported to relevant security agencies shortly after it transpired on Tuesday.
Concern for FUNAAB Community
One of the victims, identified only as Hannah, is a recent alumna of the institution. The SUG underscored her continued connection to the broader FUNAAB community, despite having completed her academic pursuits.
"The union is deeply concerned about the safety of the victims. Although Hannah is a recent graduate, she remains an important member of the wider FUNAAB community, and we recognise the distress this situation has caused her family, friends and loved ones," the statement read.
The union appealed for calm and urged both residents of Alabata and members of the university community to refrain from any actions that could impede ongoing security operations. Furthermore, it cautioned against the dissemination of unverified information, emphasising that such reports could jeopardise efforts to secure the victims' release. The SUG expressed its fervent hope for the safe and unharmed liberation of all four victims.
Ongoing Rescue Efforts
The Ogun State Police Command reiterated its commitment, confirming that operatives are actively pursuing leads to ascertain the whereabouts of the victims and facilitate their rescue.
"We are on the issue since it happened; rescue operations are in top gear," Babaseyi stated.
At the time of this report, no further details regarding the identities of the other three victims or the suspected kidnappers have been made public.
Recent Kidnapping Incidents in Nigeria
Legit.ng previously reported on a separate incident where gunmen broke into multiple homes at Alrahus Estate in Millennium City, Kaduna, around 11:30 pm on a Monday, abducting a pregnant woman, her baby, and two other individuals. The husband of the pregnant woman recounted receiving a warning call from his wife while he was in Abuja, informing him that attackers were forcing their way into their compound. The abductors later contacted the husband, demanding a ransom for the release of his pregnant wife. These incidents highlight the persistent challenge of kidnapping in various parts of Nigeria.