Ten passengers travelling along the Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan Road in Ogun State have been kidnapped by armed men, who are demanding N25 million for their release.
Among the victims is a recently discharged member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), while another corps member reportedly escaped during the attack.
The passengers were travelling in a commercial bus when gunmen intercepted the vehicle and took them into a nearby forest. Abigael, the sister of one of the abducted passengers identified as Dapo, confirmed the incident to journalists. She said her brother had recently completed his NYSC programme in Edo State and was returning to Ibadan when the attack occurred.
According to her, Dapo had been updating the family about his journey and had sent videos showing traffic congestion shortly before communication with him was lost. The family reportedly learnt about the abduction around 7pm on Tuesday after a corps member who escaped contacted them and explained that Dapo and nine other passengers had been taken away.
Abigael said the incident was reported at the Ijebu-Ode Police Station. She added that the kidnappers later contacted the family using her brother’s phone and initially demanded N20 million before increasing the ransom to N25 million. The abductors reportedly gave the family 24 hours to make payment, threatening the victims if their demand was not met.
She also disclosed that the escaped passenger informed the family that police officers and local vigilantes had entered the forest to search for the abducted persons. The family subsequently visited the police station on Wednesday but were reportedly told that security operatives had yet to return from the search operation.
Although the bus and passengers’ belongings were later recovered and taken to the police station, the victims remained in captivity. Recounting the incident, the escaped corps member alleged that the driver suddenly diverted from the main road into a bush path after encountering traffic. He said passengers became worried and asked the driver to turn back, but he continued towards the forest. He further alleged that gunmen opened fire as the vehicle approached their hideout, forcing passengers to flee. He managed to escape while the others were taken away.
A senior police source in the Ogun State Police Command confirmed the abduction of passengers along the road but did not provide further details about the incident or ongoing rescue efforts. The victims’ families have appealed to the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure their release, expressing concern over their safety and their inability to raise the demanded ransom.
