Daud Olatunji
Suspected kidnappers have demanded N500m ransom for the release of a recent graduate of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Adedoja Hannah, and three other persons abducted at a farm in the Akintobi area of Alabata, Abeokuta.
The victims were reportedly kidnapped on Tuesday night when armed men invaded the farm where they were working and whisked them away to an unknown destination.
Hannah, a recent graduate of the Department of Agricultural Administration, FUNAAB, was among those abducted in the attack, which has heightened anxiety among members of the university community and residents of the area.
The Students’ Union Government of FUNAAB disclosed the N500m ransom demand in an update issued on Thursday, expressing concern over the safety of the four victims.
According to the union, the incident was reported to security agencies on Tuesday, shortly after the abduction.
The development has raised fresh fears among the victims’ families, friends and members of the university community, particularly following the reported demand for a huge ransom by the abductors.
The SUG, while appealing for calm, urged residents of Alabata and members of the university community not to take actions capable of disrupting ongoing security operations.
“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,” the statement read.
The union added that it remained hopeful that all four victims would regain their freedom safely and without further harm.
It also cautioned the public against circulating unverified information about the incident, warning that such reports could jeopardise efforts to secure the victims’ release.
When contacted, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed the abduction and assured that security operatives were working to rescue the victims.
“We are on the issue since it happened; rescue operations are in top gear,” Babaseyi said.
The police spokesperson, however, did not provide further details about the identities of the other three victims or the circumstances surrounding the reported ransom demand.
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