Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Gunmen suspected to be bandits on Monday evening stormed Ipojo Golden Estate, a residential community in the Oke-Eri area of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, abducting three members of the same family and shooting a woman as they escaped into a nearby forest. The attack, which occurred around 7:00 p.m. on May 11, 2026, has thrown the estate into panic and renewed concerns about the deteriorating security situation in Ogun State, particularly in Ijebuland where kidnapping for ransom has become increasingly prevalent.
More than 15 heavily armed men invaded the estate, firing gunshots indiscriminately and causing chaos among residents, according to eyewitness accounts. The assailants, described by sources as having a striking resemblance to Fulani men, wore no masks except for one of them, making no attempt to conceal their identities. They forcefully gained entry into a residence, ransacked the building, and whisked away three occupants: two women and one man, all members of the same household. As the attackers fled the scene, they shot a woman, whose condition was not immediately disclosed as of press time. The gunmen reportedly attempted to break into another house within the estate but were unsuccessful.
The head of the affected family, Yesiru Badewa, a government employee, was away on official duty at the time of the incident. Speaking to newsmen, Badewa expressed deep anguish over the abduction, revealing that one of the abducted women was already ill before the attack. “This has devastated us. One of those taken is sick, and we are worried her condition may deteriorate in captivity. We appeal to the authorities and kind-hearted Nigerians to come to our aid,” he said. As of Tuesday evening, family members confirmed that the kidnappers had not yet established contact or made any ransom demands.
The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the incident and launched tactical and intelligence-driven operations to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the command is aware of the incident at Ipojo Golden Estate and has intensified efforts to track down the suspects. “The Ogun State Police Command is aware of the incident at Ipojo Golden Estate, Oke-Eri, Ijebu-Ode, and has intensified tactical and intelligence operations to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators. The command remains proactive and committed to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state,” Babaseyi stated. He called for calm and reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all residents and properties in the state.
The incident has caused palpable fear within the enclave, with many residents now unable to go about their normal daily activities. A community leader in Ipojo Golden Estate, who identified himself simply as Kehinde, described the development as disturbing and unprecedented. “We never imagined such an incident could happen in this community. Residents were caught unawares because this is considered a peaceful and developed area,” he said. He called on the government and security agencies to immediately activate plans for the safe return of the abducted persons.
The attack on Ipojo Golden Estate comes amid growing concerns over kidnapping and insecurity in parts of Ogun State, particularly in agrarian communities across Ijebuland. Recently, fish farmers in the area raised the alarm over increasing cases of abduction by armed hoodlums, appealing to Governor Dapo Abiodun and the Inspector-General of Police to strengthen security in the region. The farmers cited the recent abduction of a fish farmer, Adams Omamegbe, and four women who visited his farm at Alayo Fish Farm Cluster, Agoro, in Odogbolu Local Government Area, alleging that the victims were released only after a ransom of N70 million was paid.
Security operatives are said to be combing surrounding forests and strategic locations as investigations continue. The attack is the latest in a series of high-profile abductions in Ogun State, where criminal gangs have increasingly targeted residential estates and farming communities, demanding millions of naira in ransom. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, the state recorded at least 15 kidnapping incidents, according to data compiled by local security analysts. The trend has forced many residents to adopt security measures such as erecting fences, hiring private guards, and forming neighborhood watch groups.
The Ipojo Golden Estate abduction has also drawn attention to the vulnerability of gated communities in Ogun State. Despite being located in a well-developed area with security gates and perimeter walls, the estate was breached by a large group of heavily armed men who operated with impunity. A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Stone Reporters News that the estate’s security post was unmanned at the time of the attack. “We have been complaining about the lack of 24-hour security coverage, but nothing has been done. Now this has happened,” the resident said.
As of press time, no group has claimed responsibility for the abduction, and no ransom demand has been made public. The Ogun State Government has not yet issued an official statement on the incident. Meanwhile, the Badewa family continues to wait anxiously for news of their loved ones, hoping that the ongoing police operation will secure their safe return. “We are deeply worried because one of the women is sick, and the hardship in captivity may worsen her condition,” Yesiru Badewa reiterated, appealing to the state government and well-meaning Nigerians to support efforts aimed at rescuing the victims.
The attack on Ipojo Golden Estate serves as a stark reminder that no community, however peaceful or developed, is immune to the growing threat of kidnapping in Ogun State. As security forces intensify their search, residents are left to wonder when the next attack will come and whether their own homes will be the next target.
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