The kidnappers of a fresh graduate of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Adedoja Hannah, and three other individuals have reportedly demanded a ransom of N500 million for their release.
The victims were kidnapped on Tuesday night when the kidnappers attacked a farm along the Akintobi-Alabata axis of Abeokuta, Ogun State, where the victims were carrying out work.
The FUNAAB Students’ Union Government (SUG) made this known in a statement shared on its official Facebook page on Thursday, voicing worry about the victims’ safety and urging members of the university community and the wider public to stay calm.
The union noted that Hannah, who recently graduated from the Department of Agricultural Administration, was one of the four persons taken during the incident.
Giving an account of the events leading to her disappearance, the union said Hannah was last seen on Monday and that her phone has been unreachable ever since the reported abduction.
The statement partly reads, “The Students’ Union Government wishes to update the FUNAAB community and the general public on the abduction of Adedoja Hannah, a recent graduate of the Department of Agricultural Administration, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), alongside three other individuals at a farm along the Akintobi-Alabata axis of Abeokuta.
“According to information received, the incident occurred on Tuesday night when suspected kidnappers reportedly invaded the farm where the victims were working. Hannah was last seen on Monday, and her phone has remained unreachable since the incident.
“Further information indicates that the abductors have demanded a ransom of ₦500 million for the release of all four victims. This development has understandably heightened concerns over their safety and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The incident was reported to the appropriate security authorities, and the police have been working on the matter since Tuesday. Security efforts are ongoing, with attention directed towards locating the victims and securing their safe release.
“We understand the concern this incident has generated, particularly among residents and members of the university community around the Alabata axis. However, we appeal to everyone to remain calm and allow the relevant authorities to carry out their investigations and response.
“It is equally important that information shared publicly is accurate and responsible. Unverified reports and speculation should be avoided, especially where they could interfere with ongoing security efforts.
“The Union is deeply concerned about the safety of Hannah and the other victims. Although Hannah is a recent graduate, she remains an important member of the wider FUNAAB community, and we recognize the distress this situation has caused her family, friends, and loved ones.
“We remain hopeful for the safe and immediate return of all four victims. Anyone with credible information that could assist the security authorities is encouraged to report it through the appropriate channels.
“We also appeal to members of the university community and the general public to keep the victims and their families in their thoughts during this difficult period.
“The Students’ Union Government will continue to encourage responsible communication as the situation develops.”
When contacted, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed the kidnap.
“We are on the issue since it happened; rescue operations are in top gear,” Babaseyi said.
