Anxious families are calling for urgent intervention following the abduction of 10 travellers along the Ijebu-Ode-Ibadan route in Ogun State, with kidnappers reportedly demanding ₦25 million for their release.
The victims were seized near Ijebu Awa, a boundary community between Ogun and Oyo states, during a journey that relatives say began like any other routine trip but ended in fear and uncertainty.
Among those abducted is Olusoji Adedapo, a 24-year-old who recently completed the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme in Edo State and was travelling home to Ibadan after his passing-out ceremony.
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According to family members, Adedapo remained in contact throughout the trip, sending updates about traffic delays before communication suddenly stopped. Relatives later learned of the attack through one of the passengers who reportedly escaped and alerted families.
The survivor reportedly told relatives that armed men intercepted the commercial vehicle as it approached the area in the evening. In the confusion that followed, some passengers attempted to flee, but 10 were captured and taken away by the attackers.
For the families, the days since the incident have been filled with uncertainty. Relatives say the abductors initially demanded ₦20 million before increasing the amount to ₦25 million. The kidnappers also reportedly issued a deadline while pressing the families to raise the funds.
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Loved ones of the victims say the ransom demand is far beyond their means, leaving them desperate for assistance. They have appealed to security agencies and government authorities to intensify rescue efforts and ensure the safe return of those still in captivity.
The incident has once again highlighted growing concerns about the safety of travellers on major highways, particularly routes linking states in the South-West. Residents and commuters have repeatedly called for stronger security presence on vulnerable corridors to deter criminal attacks.
While reports initially suggested that serving corps members were among the victims, police authorities reportedly stated that none of those abducted was an active corps member.
As families await positive news, their focus remains on the safe return of their loved ones. For them, every phone call brings a mix of hope and anxiety as they continue to seek help and pray for an end to the ordeal.
