The abductors of the Vice-Chairman of Ifedayo Local Government Area of Osun State, Debo Farounbi, have reportedly demanded another N30 million ransom, 59 days after his abduction.
According to a report by Saturday PUNCH, the kidnappers had earlier received N30 million about four weeks ago at an undisclosed location, but allegedly refused to release the council official.
The newspaper reported that credible sources among local government workers and residents of the community disclosed on Friday that the abductors had instead made a fresh demand for another N30 million, alongside a vehicle.
A local government staff member familiar with the negotiations between the abductors, Farounbi’s family and council officials reportedly confirmed that the initial demand included N30 million and diabetic medication believed to be for the abducted official.
The source said the money and drugs were delivered about four weeks ago, but the abductors subsequently demanded another N30 million before releasing Farounbi. The source also disclosed that the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) was involved in efforts to resolve the situation.
The Acting Coordinator of the Ora-Igbomina Youth Front, Omololu Abidoye, also confirmed the fresh ransom demand, according to the report.
Abidoye said the community had previously raised N30 million, which was delivered to the abductors, but efforts to raise additional funds for the victim’s release had yet to yield the desired result.
Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, said he was not aware of the fresh ransom demand.
Ojelabi, however, confirmed that two suspects arrested in connection with the abduction had been charged to court and remanded in custody.
Farounbi was reportedly abducted by gunmen in Ora-Igbona on June 9, 2026.
The attackers were said to have abducted four residents, including two Fulani women, another resident and Farounbi.
The gunmen reportedly encountered resistance from military personnel stationed in the town, who pursued them and forced them to abandon three of the victims before escaping with the council official.