Kidnapped Osun residents freed after ransom payment
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –
After four weeks in captivity and the payment of several millions of naira as ransom, two sons of Ora-Igbomina, a border community in Ifedayo Local Government Area of Osun State, abducted from their residence on February 1, 2026, have regained their freedom.
The Asiwaju of Ora-Igbomina, Yemi Farounbi, in a statement released on Tuesday, announced the release of Sunday Oyekanmi Adeyeye (Tayese) and Sunday Busayo Adewumi, expressing gratitude to God for their safe return.
Farounbi described the development as a huge relief to the families of the victims and the entire Ora-Igbomina community, noting that the abduction plunged the town into weeks of anxiety, intense prayers and collective concern both at home and in the diaspora.
According to him, “Though several millions of naira were paid as ransom, including a motorbike and mobile phones, we thank God that they are alive and have returned to us safely.”
He commended the resilience of the victims during their ordeal and appreciated the solidarity and support shown by community members throughout the period.
The community leader also acknowledged the efforts of security agencies and concerned individuals who contributed to securing the victims’ release.
However, Farounbi urged the governments of Osun, Kwara and Ekiti states to establish a strategic security alliance to strengthen internal security. He also appealed to the Federal Government to urgently deploy additional military and police personnel to the border communities linking the three states, stating that the routes are frequently exploited by criminal elements to perpetrate attacks.
Farounbi called for sustained unity, faith and collective responsibility in safeguarding lives and property, emphasizing that the security of Ora-Igbomina remains a shared responsibility.
