The abductors of a recent graduate of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Adedoja Hannah, and three other people have demanded N500m for their release.
The victims were reportedly seized on Tuesday night when suspected kidnappers invaded a farm along the Akintobi-Alabata axis of Abeokuta, where they were working.
The Students’ Union Government of FUNAAB disclosed the development in a statement published on its official Facebook page on Thursday, expressing concern over the victims’ safety and appealing to the public to remain calm.
Hannah, a recent graduate of the Department of Agricultural Administration, was among those abducted during the attack.
According to the union, she was last seen on Monday, while her telephone has remained unreachable since the incident.
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 recognise 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.”
Confirming the incident, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said security operatives had commenced efforts to rescue the victims.
Babaseyi said, “We are on the issue since it happened; rescue operations are in top gear.”
The abduction comes days after security operatives in Ogun State rescued 10 passengers kidnapped by suspected gunmen at Orita Fufu, Awa-Ijebu, in Ijebu North Local Government Area.
The victims were reportedly abducted from a commercial bus on November 3 and regained their freedom unharmed at about 8.30pm on November 7 following sustained security operations by the police and operatives of the Department of State Services.
Two of the suspected kidnappers were reportedly killed during the operation, which the police attributed to sustained pressure and intelligence-led efforts.
