Osun: Abductors of ex-Customs officer demand N200m ransom
Kidnappers who abducted a retired customs officer, Emmanuel Owolabi, have demanded a ransom of N200 million for his release.
Owolabi was kidnapped on Monday night, December 15, 2025, in his hometown of Ora-Igbomina, Ifedayo Local Government Area of Osun State.
Reports said the armed assailants stormed the ancient town, killed the leader of non-indigenes in the area, and later whisked Owolabi away from his residence. Local security guards and community vigilantes were said to have attempted to resist the attackers, but their efforts were unsuccessful due to the superior weapons wielded by the bandits.
Family sources, who spoke to Nigerian Tribune on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the abductors had demanded N200 million ransom. The family appealed to friends, associates and well-meaning Nigerians for support.
The sources added that negotiations with the kidnappers were ongoing, expressing hope that the demanded amount could be reduced.
The Inurin of Ora-Igbomina land, High Chief Isaac Fadipe, confirmed the incident and hinted that members of Amotekun operatives, local hunters and vigilantes are in the bush to fish out the bandits and secure the release of the abducted ex-customs officer from their custody.
“We are now living in perpetual fear, and we want the government to act fast on the people’s security,” he said.
“We heard that a man called Custom was kidnapped around 7 pm by some gunmen who had ambushed him in his house. They took him to the forest, heading toward Kwara State, but while going, they saw a man doing charcoal work with a headlamp and shot at him.”
“It was the 10-year-old son of the man shot that came to town to tell us they k!lled his father on the farm. We have mobilised security men who have been on their trail since yesterday.”
“The Ora-Igbomina king has also called other traditional leaders in the area to help block any escape route the assailants may want to escape through and capture the assistants.”
“The police had been informed about the incident, and they came yesterday, and they are also here this morning. We, however, appeal to the state government to provide us with more security because we are a town sharing a border with Ekiti and Kwara States.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the Osun State Police Command stated that more deployment had been made to comb the bush in the area.
“Immediately the incident happened yesterday, the police operatives and other volunteers chased after the gunmen,” he said.
Ojelabi said the police had been informed about the incident and that the DPO of Ora-Igbomina Police Station is at the house of the kidnapped ex-customs officer, gathering more details.
“The case is a kidnapping case, but the report that one person was killed has not been confirmed or substantiated. Immediately we heard about the incident, our tactical teams were deployed, and they have been on the trail of the suspects.
“We have a tactical team on the ground there now, and with support from the forest guards, vigilantes, and local people security personnel, they are in the bushes after the assailants to rescue the victim. The CP has also deployed more tactical teams to the area, and an investigation is ongoing as the police are on the trail of the assailants.”
