The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed that three members of a family were abducted by suspected gunmen at Ipojo Golden Estate, Oke-Eri, in the Ijebu Ode area of Ogun State.
Read more: Armed men abduct three members of a family in an Ogun communityAccording to reports, the abduction took place around 7pm on Monday when approximately 15 armed men stormed the community, causing panic among residents.
State police spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, told reporters that the command has launched tactical and intelligence operations to rescue the victims and apprehend those responsible.
The Ogun State Police Command is aware of the incident at Ipojo Golden Estate, Oke-Eri, Ijebu Ode, and has intensified tactical and intelligence operations to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators. The command remains proactive and committed to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state, he stated.
Eyewitnesses and relatives of the victims reported that the attackers, wielding sophisticated weapons, invaded the family home, ransacked it, and abducted three family members. During the attack, a woman was reportedly shot as the kidnappers fled into a nearby forest.
Sources said the head of the family, who works for the government, was not at home at the time of the attack. Community leader Mr. Kehinde described the incident as alarming and called on authorities to bolster security in the area. We never imagined such an incident could happen here. Residents were caught unawares because this is considered a peaceful and developed community, he said.
He urged the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the safe release of the victims.
Mr. Yesiru Badewa, the head of the Badewa family, said the incident had left the family devastated. He revealed that two women and a man were abducted, expressing particular concern for one of the women who was already ill before the incident. “We are deeply worried because one of the women is sick, and the hardship in captivity may worsen her condition, he said.
Badewa appealed to the state government and well-meaning Nigerians to support efforts to rescue the victims. Residents said the incident has instilled fear in the community, with many now apprehensive about their daily activities.
This latest abduction comes amid rising concerns about kidnapping and insecurity in parts of Ogun State, especially in rural communities across Ijebuland. Recently, fish farmers in the area raised alarm over the increasing frequency of abductions, urging Governor Dapo Abiodun and Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu to enhance security.
The farmers cited a recent case in which a fish farmer, Adams Omamegbe, and four women were kidnapped at Alayo Fish Farm Cluster, Agoro, in Odogbolu Local Government Area. The victims were reportedly freed only after a ransom of N70 million was paid. Residents now say they live in constant fear of further attacks.
