The abductors of Debo Farounbi, the Vice-Chairman of Ifedayo Local Government Area of Osun State, have reportedly demanded another N30 million ransom, nearly two months after he was kidnapped.
Drivetvnews gathered that Farounbi has spent 59 days in captivity despite an earlier ransom payment made by his family and community members.
Sources within the local government and the affected community disclosed that the kidnappers received N30 million about four weeks ago, alongside diabetic medication reportedly requested for the victim.
However, instead of releasing Farounbi, the abductors allegedly made a fresh demand for another N30 million and a vehicle.
A local government worker familiar with the negotiations said discussions involving the victim’s family, council officials and the abductors were still ongoing.
The worker said the first ransom and medication were delivered to the kidnappers at an undisclosed location, but the victim was not freed afterwards.
The Acting Coordinator of the Ora-Igbomina Youth Front, Omololu Abidoye, also confirmed that another ransom demand had been made.
Abidoye said the community had previously contributed N30 million towards securing Farounbi’s freedom, but efforts to raise additional funds had not yet produced the desired result.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, said he was unaware of the latest ransom demand.
He, however, confirmed that two suspects arrested in connection with the abduction had been taken to court and remanded in prison custody.
Farounbi was reportedly kidnapped on June 9, 2026, when gunmen attacked Ora-Igbomina.
The attackers were said to have abducted four residents, including two Fulani women, another resident and Farounbi. However, troops stationed in the community reportedly engaged the assailants, forcing them to abandon three of their victims before escaping with the local government official.
Farounbi’s abduction has added to growing security concerns in Ora-Igbomina, which has recorded several kidnapping incidents in recent months.
In December 2025, suspected bandits abducted retired Customs officer Emmanuel Owolabi, who spent nearly four weeks in captivity before his eventual release following the payment of an undisclosed ransom.
On February 1, 2026, gunmen reportedly returned to the community through the Kwara boundary and abducted two residents. They were later released after spending about four weeks in captivity.
