The Ogun abduction of 10 travellers along the Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan Road has raised fresh concerns about insecurity on major highways in the South-West, following reports that the kidnappers are demanding ₦25 million to release their victims.
The incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday, November 3, around Ijebu Awa, a community near the boundary between Ogun and Oyo states. The victims were travelling towards Ibadan in a commercial vehicle when armed men allegedly intercepted their journey and forced the passengers into a nearby forest.
One passenger reportedly escaped during the attack and subsequently alerted relatives of those taken away. The escapee’s account helped families understand what had happened and triggered efforts to establish contact with the abductors.
Among the reported victims is 24-year-old Olusoji Adedapo, who had recently completed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme in Edo State. His abduction has attracted particular attention because it happened shortly after he finished his national service and began travelling home.
The incident has also generated questions about the security situation along the busy road, which connects communities in Ogun and Oyo states and serves motorists travelling between different parts of the South-West.
Ogun Abduction: Kidnappers Demand ₦25 Million
Details emerging from the families indicate that the kidnappers contacted relatives after taking the passengers into captivity and demanded money in exchange for their release.
According to reports, the abductors initially requested ₦20 million but later increased their demand to ₦25 million. They also reportedly gave the families a deadline to produce the money, creating additional pressure on relatives who are struggling to secure the victims’ freedom.
Adeseye Timilehin, a relative of one of the affected passengers, reportedly provided information about the incident and the family’s attempts to respond to the situation.
He explained that relatives received information about the attack after one passenger managed to escape and raise the alarm. The family subsequently received calls from the kidnappers, who communicated their financial demands.
However, raising such a substantial amount has reportedly proved difficult for the affected families, particularly as they continue to deal with the uncertainty surrounding the safety and whereabouts of their relatives.
Timilehin appealed to the government, security agencies and members of the public to intervene and help secure the release of the victims.
The reported increase from ₦20 million to ₦25 million has further heightened concerns among relatives, who fear that delays in resolving the situation could place additional pressure on those being held.
Meanwhile, the families are seeking assistance from relevant authorities and hoping that security operatives will locate the victims and bring them home safely.
Ogun Police Clarify NYSC Reports as Security Concerns Grow
The Ogun State Police Command has also addressed reports linking the incident to members of the National Youth Service Corps.
Initial accounts suggested that former and serving corps members were among those abducted. However, the police reportedly clarified that none of the passengers had been confirmed as a serving corps member.
This distinction is important because one of the identified victims, Adedapo, had reportedly completed his national service in Edo State shortly before the incident.
The clarification has helped address some of the confusion surrounding the victims’ identities, although further confirmation of the full passenger list and individual circumstances remains necessary.
Furthermore, the incident has renewed public concern about the safety of travellers using highways across Ogun State and neighbouring areas. Kidnapping attacks along major transport routes can expose commercial drivers, passengers and other road users to serious risks, particularly when attackers operate in areas with limited security presence.
The Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan corridor is an important connection between communities in the two states. Consequently, incidents of this nature raise questions about patrol coverage, emergency response and the protection available to motorists.
Residents and concerned families continue to seek stronger security measures along the route. They also want authorities to intensify efforts to locate the abducted passengers and prevent further attacks.
As the situation develops, the immediate priority remains the safe return of the victims. However, the reported ransom demand, the identities of all those affected and the outcome of rescue efforts require further official confirmation.
