The Ogun State branch of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has officially thanked state authorities and security services for their prompt response in securing the freedom of Mr. Oreoluwa Osonuga. The 33-year-old poultry farmer had been seized on August 9, 2026, as he left his farm settlement located in Ikenne. Attackers forced his vehicle to stop by firing shots before pulling him into the woods.
The incident caused significant alarm among local agricultural workers, especially after kidnappers contacted the family to request a N500 million ransom. A joint mission involving military personnel and the police anti-kidnapping squad eventually tracked down the victim and facilitated his rescue.
Sogunle Rotimi, the AFAN Public Relations Officer, released a statement on Friday expressing gratitude for the deployment of state resources. The association emphasized that this successful mission highlights the necessity of robust security for agricultural stability. Recalling a previous abduction in the same area on April 1, 2026, which ended only after a ransom was paid, the group remains hopeful for improved stability.
AFAN has called upon the government to continue bolstering security measures near farm settlements. They noted that farmers can only optimize food production if they feel confident that their employees, assets, and personal safety are protected.