Ogun Farmer Snatched: N500 Million Ransom Demand Sparks Outrage
In a brazen daylight attack that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria's agricultural community, armed gunmen abducted 33-year-old poultry farmer Oreoluwa Osonuga from the Ikenne Farm Settlement in Ogun State. The kidnappers are demanding a staggering N500 million for his release, a sum that has left many questioning the safety of those feeding the nation.
The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon at approximately 12:05 p.m., as Osonuga was leaving the farm. According to Seye Kehinde, chairman of the farm settlement, the gunmen shot at the farmer's car before forcing him into the bush. Security personnel, including military units from Ilese, responded promptly but their efforts to comb the forest have yielded no results.
This is not an isolated case. Just four months ago, on April 1, 2026, another farmer from the same settlement was kidnapped and held for days before being released after paying a ransom. The pattern is alarming, and it raises serious questions about the security of Nigeria's food producers.
Who is Oreoluwa Osonuga?
Oreoluwa Osonuga is a 33-year-old poultry farmer trying to make a decent living and contribute to Nigeria's food security. His granduncle, Soga Osonuga, described him as a young man struggling to make ends meet, now thrown into a nightmare that has left his family emotionally and psychologically shattered.
Speaking to our correspondent, Soga said: 'This is a young man that is trying and struggling to do something reasonable with his life and make the two ends meet. For such a young man to be facing something like this has thrown the family, friends, and well-wishers into a state of unnecessary anxiety.'
What is the current status of the kidnapping?
As of Day 2 of the abduction, there has been no significant development. The kidnappers made only one brief contact on Sunday evening, using the victim's own phone to call a cousin of his father. The call, made around 5 p.m., was the only communication from the abductors. Since then, silence has fallen.
The Ogun State Commissioner of Police is aware of the situation, but attempts to reach the state police command's spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, were unsuccessful. Calls went unanswered, and WhatsApp messages remained unread.
Why should Nigerians care?
This isn't just about one farmer. It's about the security of every Nigerian who dares to build something. It's about the message being sent to young entrepreneurs that their hard work makes them targets. And it's about a system that seems unable to protect its own.
Recall that just last week, a joint operation by the police, Department of State Services, and the Nigerian Army rescued seven abducted students from Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, neutralizing three kidnappers in the process. That success shows what's possible when security forces act decisively. But for Oreoluwa Osonuga, that same decisive action has yet to materialize.
What is the family's plea?
The Osonuga family is calling on the government and security agencies to intensify efforts and ensure the safe return of their son. Soga Osonuga's words cut deep: 'We plead with the government and security agencies to please act fast and help bring back our son safely.'
This is a test of Nigeria's commitment to its farmers, its youth, and its future. The clock is ticking, and the nation is watching.