The family of Mrs. Olanike Ogundare has called on security agencies to intensify efforts toward her safe return after she was abducted in the early hours of the morning from her residence in the Oke Agaye area of Ijedodo, Lagos State.
According to reports, the incident occurred around 1:00 a.m. at No. 1 Olufemi Ogundare Street, when armed men carried out a coordinated attack. Witnesses say the assailants overpowered the security guard on duty at gunpoint before forcibly taking Mrs. Ogundare to an unknown location.
In response, the family has engaged multiple security bodies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services, to aid in rescue operations. Community stakeholders have also been mobilised, notably Gani Adams, leader of the Oodua People’s Congress.
Sources familiar with the case revealed that the kidnappers have established contact with the family on two occasions, initially demanding a ransom of ₦60 million. However, the demand has reportedly been converted into United States dollars, a move investigators believe may be intended to make tracking and monitoring more difficult.
The abductors are said to have used the victim’s phone to communicate, with calls received by Mr. Dapo Adeola, who is currently acting as an intermediary between the family and the kidnappers. It has also been gathered that ₦5 million has already been transferred by Mrs. Ogundare’s husband to Adeola, though it remains unclear whether the funds have been converted or delivered to the abductors.
Security sources indicate that Mrs. Ogundare is likely still in captivity, with efforts ongoing to trace communications and monitor financial transactions linked to the case. Authorities are said to be considering closer supervision of the intermediary and tighter control over further negotiations.
Investigators warn that the shift to dollar-denominated ransom payments points to a potentially organised operation, highlighting the need for swift and strategic intervention to secure the victim’s release while minimising risks.