Kidnapped Ogun Residents Regain Freedom After Ransom Payment

• Ogun victims regain freedom after about one week in kidnappers’ captivity
• Families decline to reveal ransom paid over fear of fresh attacks
• Police silent on rescue as anti-kidnapping operation faces fresh test

Two residents of Kobape community in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, Kelvin Moyegun and Kehinde Rufai, have regained their freedom after spending about one week in captivity, following the payment of ransom to their abductors.

The victims, who were kidnapped by armed men last week, were released on Thursday, according to a family source familiar with the development.

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Speaking on Sunday, the source disclosed that both families were relieved to have their loved ones back alive but declined to reveal the amount paid to secure their release, citing security concerns.

“They were released on Thursday after both families paid the ransom. We do not want to disclose the amount paid so that they won’t come back.

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“My sister is at the hospital at the moment receiving treatment,” the source said.

The release ends days of anxiety for the families after the victims were seized by suspected kidnappers during an attack in Kobape.

The assailants, reportedly four in number and armed with guns, ambushed the victims as they were preparing to leave their residence. During the attack, another resident, identified as Al-Haqq Shobakin, was shot and sustained injuries before being rushed to hospital for treatment.

Earlier reports indicated that the kidnappers had demanded N50 million for the release of the abducted residents.

Following the incident, the Ogun State Police Command announced the deployment of operatives to rescue the victims and track down those responsible for the abduction.

The Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Omolola Odutola, had said security personnel were mobilised to secure the victims’ release and apprehend the kidnappers.

The latest incident comes barely a month after the Ogun and Lagos State Police Commands jointly launched Operation Kosaye, a security initiative aimed at tackling kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes along the interstate corridor.

There was no official confirmation from the police on Sunday as to whether any suspects had been arrested in connection with the abduction or if investigations were still ongoing.