The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, has officially confirmed the abduction of six real estate marketers at Oyebola village in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area. The incident, which occurred on Friday, has sparked fresh concerns over the rising wave of insecurity across the country.
Speaking during a telephone interview on Sunday, the Commissioner explained that the victims were employees of a Lagos-based real estate company who had been brought to Ogun State for an inspection exercise. Their visit was part of a routine assignment to properly assess the land before presenting it to potential buyers.
According to Ogunlowo, the team arrived in Oyebola village to inspect the company’s property, but the situation took a tragic turn when armed men ambushed them. The six marketers were forcibly taken away, leaving the community in shock.
A resident of a nearby community, who first raised the alarm, said the attack happened swiftly, adding that the criminals disappeared into a nearby forest. The resident, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, noted that locals have been living in fear due to the increasing presence of armed groups in the area.
Confirming the incident, CP Ogunlowo said:
“They brought some marketers from Lagos to come and see the land so that they can have the requisite information to market it to interested members of the public. It was during this visit that the six people were abducted. It happened on Friday, and the command has been on it since. We are doing everything necessary to ensure these people regain their freedom.”
Security operatives are said to have launched a search-and-rescue operation, with efforts ongoing to track the kidnappers’ whereabouts. Although the Commissioner did not disclose full details for operational reasons, he gave assurances that the police are committed to securing the victims’ release.
A Growing Pattern of Kidnappings
The abduction in Ogun is the latest in a series of kidnapping incidents that have unfolded across different states in recent weeks. Just days earlier, 38 worshippers were kidnapped during a prayer session in Kwara State. They were later released after coordinated efforts by security agencies.
Similarly, 24 students were abducted in Kebbi State, sparking nationwide outrage. Although those victims have also regained their freedom, the frequency of such incidents has become a major source of concern for Nigerians.
Hundreds Still Missing in Niger State Attack
One of the most alarming cases is the attack on St. Mary’s Secondary and Primary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, where gunmen stormed the school and abducted about 300 pupils, students, and staff. During the attack, a security guard was killed.
While some victims managed to escape—about 50 students reportedly fled—the majority remain in captivity. Families of the missing children continue to cry out for help as rescue efforts intensify.
Rising Insecurity Threatens Communities
Security experts have warned that the increasing boldness of kidnappers shows the need for stronger surveillance, better intelligence gathering, and improved collaboration between communities and security agencies. For residents of Obafemi-Owode, the Friday attack has left many frightened and uncertain about their safety.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command has urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement agencies as they work to rescue the abducted marketers.
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