Olanike Ogundare kidnapping – Fear and anxiety have gripped residents of Ijeododo in Lagos State following the abduction of a woman, Mrs. Olanike Ogundare, by armed kidnappers who invaded her home in the early hours of Thursday.
Mrs. Ogundare was reportedly abducted at about 1:00 a.m. from her residence at No. 1 Olufemi Ogundare Street, Oke Agaye, Ijeododo, in what witnesses described as a well-coordinated operation.
According to sources familiar with the incident, the gunmen stormed the premises under the cover of darkness, overpowered the security guard on duty at gunpoint, and forcibly whisked the victim away to an unknown destination before help could arrive.
The brazen attack has sent shockwaves through the quiet residential community, with many residents expressing growing concern over the rising spate of insecurity in suburban parts of Lagos.
Family members said the kidnappers have since established contact, using Mrs. Ogundare’s mobile phone to communicate their demands. The abductors initially demanded a ransom of ₦60 million for her release. However, they later insisted that the payment be made in United States dollars, a move believed to be aimed at frustrating attempts by security agencies to trace the transaction.
A source close to the family disclosed that negotiations are ongoing, with an intermediary identified as Dapo Adeola reportedly facilitating communication between the abductors and the family.
It was also gathered that Mrs. Ogundare’s husband has already paid ₦5 million as part of efforts to secure her release. However, it remains unclear whether the amount has reached the kidnappers or if it forms part of a broader negotiation arrangement.
“The ransom demand is ₦60 million, but they now want it in dollars. About ₦5 million has already been paid through an intermediary, though the status of the transaction is still uncertain,” a family source revealed.
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The incident has been reported to the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), both of which have reportedly commenced investigations and rescue efforts.
Security operatives are said to be tracking communications and financial transactions linked to the kidnappers in a bid to secure Mrs. Ogundare’s safe release.
In addition, community leaders and local security stakeholders have been mobilised to support ongoing efforts. Members of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC) have also joined the search, while the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has reportedly been briefed on the situation.
The abduction has once again highlighted the growing threat of kidnapping in Nigeria, including in urban and semi-urban communities previously considered relatively secure.
Residents of Ijedodo and surrounding areas are now calling for increased police patrols, improved intelligence gathering, and stronger community-based security measures to prevent similar incidents.
As of the time of filing this report, Mrs. Ogundare remains in captivity, while efforts to secure her safe release continue.
Authorities have urged members of the public with credible information that could assist in the investigation to contact the nearest police station or relevant security agency immediately.
Olanike Ogundare kidnapping – SOJ WORLDWIDE will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.
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