Armed assailants abduct three family members in an Ogun community

The Ogun State Police Command confirmed on Tuesday that three members of a family were abducted by suspected gunmen at Ipojo Golden Estate, Oke‑Eri, in the Ijebu Ode area of the state.

The abduction reportedly occurred at about 7 p.m. on Monday when roughly 15 armed men entered the community.

DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, spokesperson for the state police command, told our correspondent that the command had launched tactical and intelligence operations to locate the victims and apprehend the suspects.

“The Ogun State Police Command is aware of the incident at Ipojo Golden Estate, Oke‑Eri, Ijebu Ode, and has intensified tactical and intelligence operations to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators,” he said. “The command remains proactive and committed to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.”

Eyewitnesses and family members said the gunmen, equipped with sophisticated weapons, stormed the community unexpectedly, causing panic among residents.

The assailants allegedly entered the family’s residence, ransacked the house and abducted three family members.

A woman was reportedly shot during the attack as the kidnappers fled toward a nearby forest.

Community sources indicated that the head of the family, a government employee, was away on duty when the incident took place.

Mr Kehinde, a community leader in Ipojo Golden Estate, described the event as disturbing and urged the government to strengthen security in the area.

“We never imagined such an incident could happen in this community. Residents were caught unawares because this is considered a peaceful and developed area,” he said.

He appealed to the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of the abducted victims.

Mr Yesiru Badewa, head of the Badewa family in Ijebu Ode, said the kidnapping had left the family devastated.

According to him, the victims were two women and one man. He expressed concern for the health of one of the abducted women, who was ill before the incident.

“We are deeply worried because one of the women is sick, and the hardship in captivity may worsen her condition,” he said.

Badewa appealed to the state government and compassionate Nigerians to support the rescue of the victims.

Residents also noted that the attack has generated fear in the community, with many now reluctant to carry out their daily activities.

The incident adds to growing concerns about kidnapping and insecurity in parts of Ogun State, especially in agrarian communities across Ijebuland.

Recently, fish farmers in the area warned of a rise in abductions by armed hoodlums and called on Governor Dapo Abiodun and Inspector‑General of Police Tunji Disu to improve security in the region.

The farmers cited the recent kidnapping of fish farmer Adams Omamegbe and four women who visited his farm at Alayo Fish Farm Cluster, Agoro, in Odogbolu Local Government Area.

They alleged that the victims were released only after a ransom of N70 million was paid, and warned that residents now live in fear of further attacks.