Abductors of FUNAAB graduate, three others demand N500m ransom

By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta The abductors of a recent graduate of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Adedoja Hannah, and three other individuals have reportedly demanded a ransom of N500 million for their release. The victims were allegedly kidnapped on Tuesday night when suspected gunmen invaded a farm along the Akintobi-Alabata axis of Abeokuta, Ogun State, where they were working.

The development was disclosed by the Students’ Union Government (SUG) of FUNAAB in a statement posted on its official Facebook platform on Thursday, expressing concern over the safety of the victims and appealing to members of the university community and the general public to remain calm. According to the union, Hannah, a recent graduate of the Department of Agricultural Administration, was among the four people abducted during the incident.

Providing an account of the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, the union stated that Hannah was last seen on Monday, while her telephone has remained unreachable since the reported abduction. The statement partly reads, “The Students’ Union Government wishes to update the FUNAAB community and the general public on the abduction of Adedoja Hannah, a recent graduate of the Department of Agricultural Administration, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), alongside three other individuals at a farm along the Akintobi-Alabata axis of Abeokuta.

“According to information received, the incident occurred on Tuesday night when suspected kidnappers reportedly invaded the farm where the victims were working. Hannah was last seen on Monday, and her phone has remained unreachable since the incident. “Further information indicates that the abductors have demanded a ransom of ₦500 million for the release of all four victims.

This development has understandably heightened concerns over their safety and the circumstances surrounding the incident. “The incident was reported to the appropriate security authorities, and the police have been working on the matter since Tuesday. Security efforts are ongoing, with attention directed towards locating the victims and securing their safe release.

“We understand the concern this incident has generated, particularly among residents and members of the university community around the Alabata axis. However, we appeal to everyone to remain calm and allow the relevant authorities to carry out their investigations and response. “It is equally important that information shared publicly is accurate and responsible.

Unverified reports and speculation should be avoided, especially where they could interfere with ongoing security efforts. “The Union is deeply concerned about the safety of Hannah and the other victims. Although Hannah is a recent graduate, she remains an important member of the wider FUNAAB community, and we recognise the distress this situation has caused her family, friends and loved ones.

“We remain hopeful for the safe and immediate return of all four victims. Anyone with credible information that could assist the security authorities is encouraged to report it through the appropriate channels. “We also appeal to members of the university community and the general public to keep the victims and their families in their thoughts during this difficult period.

“The Students’ Union Government will continue to encourage responsible communication as the situation develops”. When contacted, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, confirmed the abduction. Babaseyi said, “we are on the issue since it happened; rescue operations are in top gear”.