₦300 Million Ransom: Uncertainty As Kidnappers Seize Woman, Child In Sunday Igboho Community

The quiet farming community of Igbope, in Oke-Ogun, Oyo State, has been thrown into anxiety following the abduction of a woman and her child by armed men who reportedly invaded their residence in a late-night operation believed to have been targeted at her husband, a prominent poultry farmer in the area.

What began as another security incident has quickly developed into a major concern across Oyo North, exposing the growing fears among residents over the resurgence of kidnapping activities in communities that were once regarded as relatively peaceful.

Findings by Naija News revealed that the gunmen stormed the residence located in Igbope, a community near Igboho in Orelope Local Government Area, with the apparent intention of abducting the businessman.

However, circumstances surrounding the attack suggest that the suspected kidnappers were unable to take their primary target before fleeing with his wife and child.

Several residents who spoke with Naija News described the incident as one of the most brazen attacks recorded in the area in recent months. One of the residents who spoke to our correspondent claimed that a bag of money was recovered from the house when the assailants attacked late at night.

According to her, the man had just received the money from a thrift, which involved other business associates within the community.

As of the time of filing this report, the victims remained in captivity.

Perhaps the most troubling aspect of the incident is the huge ransom demand allegedly placed on the victims.

Sources within the family disclosed that the kidnappers initially demanded a staggering ₦300 million before opening negotiations with relatives.

Naija News learnt that after several rounds of discussions, the abductors eventually reduced their demand to ₦150 million.

Despite the reduction, family members insist the amount remains beyond their financial capacity.

During a visit to the family residence in Igbeti, Olorunsogo Local Government Area, relatives painted a grim picture of the ongoing negotiations.

The victim’s siblings, who spoke during an interaction with Naija News correspondent, said the family had been left devastated by the development.

According to him, the family has continued to plead with the abductors to accept ₦7 million.

“The demand was initially ₦300 million. After much back and forth, they reduced it to ₦150 million. We have continued to plead with them because there is no way the family can raise such money.

“We are begging them to accept ₦7 million. That is what we believe can be sourced, but they have not agreed,” the family member said.

Another relative described the situation as emotionally draining, saying family members have barely slept since the abduction occurred.

“We are living in fear and uncertainty. Every phone call gives us anxiety because we don’t know what the kidnappers may say next,” the relative added.

As the tension escalated, reports began circulating across parts of Oyo State on Saturday claiming that the victims had regained their freedom.

However, an independent verification by Naija News showed that the reports were inaccurate.

When our correspondent contacted a relative, he categorically denied receiving the victims.

Family members expressed frustration over what they described as misleading information capable of creating false hope.

The clarification has further highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the incident and the difficulty in obtaining accurate information during kidnapping negotiations.

Beyond the affected family, the incident has triggered widespread concern across Igbope, Igboho and neighbouring communities.

Residents who spoke with Naija News said fear has become the dominant mood across the area.