…as Kidnappers demands N500m ransom

… urges security operatives to intensify rescue efforts

The family of a poultry farmer kidnapped at Ikenne farm settlement in Ogun State has appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun to intervene and ensure the safe release of the farmer.

The 33-year-old poultry farmer, Oreoluwa Osonuga, was kidnapped at Ikenne Farm Settlement in Ogun State on August 9, 2026 at about 12:05p.m

Osonuga was abducted on August 9, 2026 at about 12:05p.m.

The victim’s granduncle, Soga Osonuga, who confirmed the incident via phone call, said that it had left the family deeply worried and distressed.

He said that the kidnappers have continued to maintain contact with the victim’s relatives while insisting on the payment of the N500 million ransom.

Osonuga said that the development has left the family devastated and desperate for help, while calling on the  State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, to intervene and ensure the safe release of the farmer.

He appealed to the governor and relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to locate the victim and secure his freedom, stressing that the family were unable to raise the ransom amount.

He appealed to the state government and welknown individuals to come to their aid, while urging security operatives to intensify efforts in rescuing the victim.

“It is true that my nephew was abducted on Sunday, his father is the last born of our parents and I was there when a call was put across to him on Sunday. The statement is true.

“We haven’t heard anything today, Monday, but yesterday someone called the line while we were at the settlement.

“The police are already aware but we are also using this opportunity to call on the security agencies to intensify their efforts and ensure that my nephew is safely released.”

“We plead with the government and security agencies to please act fast and help bring back our son safely.” Osunuga said.

Also the Chairman of the farm, Seye Kehinde, confirmed the abduction in a statement released yesterday.

Kehinde said that the Kidnappers briefly contacted the victims’ family on Sunday, demanding a ransom of N500 million.

Osonuga’s abduction was made known in a statement released on Monday by Seye Kehinde, the chairman of the farm settlement.

Kehinde said that the victim was driving out of the farm when he was accosted by the gunmen who shot his car, aggressively dragged him out and whisked him away through the bush path.

He said that security operatives including the Anti-kidnapping unit, soldiers and others embarked on a joint rescue mission but all efforts were to no avail.

“The farm settlement in Ikenne witnessed an ugly situation this afternoon (12:05pm), as one of our members was kidnapped. He is Mr. Oreoluwa Osonuga, Male and about 33yrs of age.”

“He is a poultry farmer and was on his way out of the farm when he was accosted by gun men, who shot at his car and forced him into the bush. Immediately, security personnel were invited and their response was prompt.”

“Military men were also deployed from Ilese, who combed the forest with no tangible result.” Kehinde noted.

He recalled how one of the farmers at the settlement was kidnapped about four months and was released after days in captivity, while urging members of the community to stay alert.

 “Today is Day 2. No significant development on either the rescue or release of kidnapped Oreoluwa Osonuga.

“It was the kidnapper who spoke with his second cousin using his handset with the MTN network. The Ogun State Commissioner of Police is abreast of efforts being made by his men.

“It is on record that four months ago, on April 1, 2026, one of the farmers in the Settlement was kidnapped. He was in captivity for days before he was released after paying a ransom.” The farm’s chairman added.

Efforts to contact the Ogun State Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, proved abortive as he did not answer his calls as at the time of filing this report.