The Ogun State Police Command announced on Tuesday that three members of a family were abducted by suspected gunmen at Ipojo Golden Estate in Oke-Eri, Ijebu Ode.
The victims were reportedly kidnapped around 7 p.m. on Monday when approximately 15 armed men stormed the community.
DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, a spokesperson for the state police command, confirmed the event to our correspondent, stating 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 said.
According to eyewitnesses and family members, gunmen equipped with sophisticated weapons unexpectedly entered the community, causing panic among locals.
The invaders reportedly ransacked the family residence and abducted three members.
The attackers were alleged to have broken into the family home, ransacked it, and abducted three members of the family.
A woman was also reportedly shot during the raid, while the kidnappers fled into a nearby forest.
According to neighborhood sources, the family’s head, a government employee, was away on duty at the time of the tragedy.
Mr. Kehinde, a community leader in Ipojo Golden Estate, characterized the occurrence as alarming and urged the government to increase security in the region.
“We never imagined such an incident could happen in this community. Residents were caught unawares because this is considered a peaceful and developed area,” he said.
He urged the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of the abducted victims.
The head of the Badewa family in Ijebu Ode, Mr. Yesiru Badewa, whose relatives were kidnapped, said the incident had left the family devastated.
According to him, the victims included two women and a man. He expressed concern over the health condition of one of the abducted women, who he said was 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 urged the state government and Nigerians to help rescue the victims. The incident also caused terror in the town, preventing residents from going about their normal duties.
Residents of the village also expressed concern that the incident had instilled terror in the area, with many now scared to go about their everyday activities.
The current incidence comes as there are mounting concerns about kidnapping and insecurity in sections of Ogun State, notably in farming villages throughout Ijebuland.
Recently, fish farmers in the area expressed concern over an increase in armed hoodlum abductions and urged Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu to boost regional security.
The farmers noted the recent kidnapping of Adams Omamegbe, a fish farmer, and four ladies who went to his field at the Alayo Fish Field Cluster, Agoro, in the Odogbolu Local Government Area.
They said that the victims were finally released after a ransom of N70 million was paid and warned that residents are now fearful of further attacks.
