Kidnappers demand N100m for Ogun woman’s freedom

The family of Olayinka Oremade is desperately seeking her release after she was abducted by gunmen in Ogun State, Nigeria. Oremade and one of her staff members were reportedly ambushed and kidnapped on Friday, August 14, while returning from a farm. Gunmen allegedly shot out the tires of their vehicle, forcing it to stop in the bush.

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When they were in the vehicle, four of the kidnappers appeared at the front. She tried to reverse when she noticed what was going on. As she was reversing, three other kidnappers appeared at the back, and they shot the back tyres.

According to Oremade's son, Oremade Ilerioluwa, four armed men appeared in front of their vehicle, prompting his mother to attempt an escape by reversing. However, three more gunmen emerged from the back and disabled the car. While two staff members managed to escape, Oremade and another staff member were taken by the abductors.

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At that point, there was nothing she could do again, and the car got stuck at a point inside the bush. They had no choice but to come down. All of them opened the door and started running out.

The family reported the incident to the police the following day, but searches of the area have so far been unsuccessful. The kidnappers contacted the family on Saturday night, initially demanding N200 million for Oremade's freedom. After negotiations, the ransom was reduced to N100 million, a sum the family states they cannot afford.

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Unfortunately, two of the staff were able to escape, while my mum and one of the other staff were apprehended by the kidnappers.

Ilerioluwa mentioned that he spoke directly with his mother, who urged him to gather financial assistance from relatives. Local hunters have also joined the search efforts, but there has been no positive development in securing the release of Oremade and her staff member.

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They called around 9:45pm at night. The next day, which was Sunday, they called around that time too, asking for the same amount.