Suspected kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man, Mr. Owoade Matthew Kolawole, in Igboyaye, Itesiwaju Local Government Area of Oyo State, and are demanding ₦30 million for his release.
The incident occurred between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 11, according to members of the victim’s family.
The family said the abductors contacted them shortly after the incident using Mr. Kolawole’s mobile phones and demanded a ransom of ₦30 million.
Speaking on the development, the victim’s son, Mr. Owoade Abiola, said security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Amotekun Corps and local vigilante groups, were immediately notified of the abduction.
He disclosed that a joint search operation was launched and continued throughout the night, but efforts to locate the victim were unsuccessful.
According to the family, the search team recovered Mr. Kolawole’s abandoned motorcycle in a nearby bush at about 8:20 a.m. on Sunday, July 12, heightening concerns over his safety.
The family has appealed to the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the victim’s safe release and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.
The latest incident adds to growing concerns over insecurity and kidnapping for ransom in parts of Oyo State and other parts of the country.