Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The abductors of the Vice-Chairman of Ifedayo Local Government Area of Osun State, Debo Farounbi, have demanded a fresh N30 million ransom, 59 days after he was kidnapped, according to multiple reports published on Saturday, August 8, 2026. This comes despite the fact that an initial N30 million ransom and diabetic drugs were reportedly delivered to the kidnappers about four weeks ago at an undisclosed location, with the captors reneging on their promise to release the council official.
Farounbi was abducted by gunmen on June 9, 2026, at approximately 10:00 p.m. in Ora-Igbomina, a border community along the Osun-Kwara boundary. The assailants, who invaded the town, initially picked four residents, including two Fulani women and another resident, before military personnel stationed in the area intervened. The troops pursued the gunmen, forcing them to abandon three of the victims while they whisked away the council vice-chairman into a nearby forest.
According to credible sources among council workers and residents of the community who spoke with Saturday PUNCH on Friday, August 7, the kidnappers had earlier demanded N50 million for Farounbi's release. A family source had previously disclosed that the abductors initially demanded ₦200 million. After intense negotiations, a sum of N30 million was agreed upon and delivered, along with diabetic drugs believed to be for the vice-chairman's medical condition. However, instead of releasing the victim, the abductors have now demanded an additional N30 million and a car as a condition for his freedom.
A staff member of the local government, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the development: "The kidnappers had earlier demanded a sum of N30 million and diabetic drugs. The money and the drugs were delivered four weeks ago, but instead of releasing the vice-chairman, the abductors demanded another N30 million. I am aware the ALGON is on top of the matter." The Acting Coordinator of Ora-Igbomina Youth Front, Omololu Abidoye, also confirmed the fresh ransom demand, stating that efforts by the community to raise additional funds had yet to yield results. "The community initially raised N30 million ransom, and it was delivered to the abductors. However, they are still demanding additional money before they will release him," he said.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, said he was not aware of the fresh ransom demand. However, he disclosed that two persons arrested in connection with the abduction had been charged to court and remanded in prison custody.
Farounbi's abduction is the third kidnap incident in the Ora-Igbomina community in the last eight months. In December 2025, a retired Customs officer, Emmanuel Owolabi, was abducted by suspected bandits in the community and released after almost four weeks in captivity following the payment of an undisclosed ransom. On February 1, 2026, gunmen again invaded Ora-Igbomina through the Kwara boundary and abducted two residents, who were also released after about four weeks in captivity.
The case of Debo Farounbi highlights a troubling pattern: families and communities paying ransom only to face fresh demands, with kidnappers showing no regard for agreements or the suffering of victims. As the vice-chairman of Ifedayo Local Government Area remains in captivity, his family, colleagues, and the entire community are left in agonising suspense, hoping for his safe return while bracing for the possibility of further demands from his captors.
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