Osun LG Vice Chairman Still Held 22 Days After Abduction

Mr. Debo Farounbi, the Vice Chairman of the Ifedayo Local Government Area in Osun State, has been held captive for 22 days following his abduction by gunmen in Ora. He was taken on the night of June 9, along with three other individuals, but security forces and local volunteers managed to rescue three of the abductees amid a gunfight, while Farounbi was taken by the perpetrators.

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It is true that they (abductors) demanded N200m. They used his mobile phone to call his family. But after days of negotiating, the amount has been reduced to N50m, but his family are still running around to raise the money.

Sources close to the family revealed that the abductors established contact shortly after the incident, initially demanding a ransom of N200 million for Farounbi's release. However, after days of intense negotiations, this demand has reportedly been reduced to N50 million. Family members are actively trying to raise the substantial sum, with growing concerns over Farounbi's health.

Photographs of the abducted vice chairman have been sent to his relatives to increase pressure for the ransom payment. Despite the ongoing efforts, as of Tuesday evening, Farounbi had not been released. A family source expressed dwindling hope regarding search and rescue operations by security agencies.

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There was a day the abductors took pictures of him and sent them to his relatives to put pressure on them. There is growing concern over his state of health.

The Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed that the command is actively working towards the victim's safe rescue. However, he stated that the police are unaware of any ransom negotiations taking place between the family and the abductors. Ojelabi added that two suspects were arrested in the forest following the abduction, and after investigation, they were charged and remanded in a correctional center. The police maintain they are diligently pursuing all available information to secure Farounbi's release.

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We are still working within the information available to us to see to the safe rescue of the victim. Two people were arrested inside the forest after the abduction, and after our investigation, we charged them in court. The court has since remanded them to the correctional centre. We are working hard to rescue the victim.