Abductors of the Vice-Chairman of Ifedayo Local Government Area, Osun State, Mr. Debo Farounbi, have demanded another ₦30 million ransom, 59 days after his abduction, despite an earlier ₦30 million payment.

Saturday PUNCH gathered that the kidnappers collected ₦30 million and diabetic drugs about four weeks ago at an undisclosed location. But instead of releasing Farounbi, they came back with a fresh demand for ₦30 million and a car.

A council staff member who spoke on condition of anonymity said the family and LG officials have been negotiating with the abductors.

“The kidnappers had earlier demanded ₦30m and diabetic drugs, maybe for the vice-chairman. The money and the drugs were delivered four weeks ago, but instead of releasing him, they demanded another ₦30m. I am aware ALGON is on top of the matter,” the source said.

The Acting Coordinator of Ora-Igbomina Youth Front, Omololu Abidoye, also confirmed the fresh demand. He said the community’s efforts to raise more money have not yielded results.

“The community initially raised ₦30m ransom, and it was delivered to the abductors. However, they are still demanding additional money before they will release him,” Abidoye stated.

When contacted, the Osun Police Command PPRO, Abiodun Ojelabi, said he was not aware of the new ransom demand. He added that two suspects arrested in connection with the abduction have been charged to court and remanded.

Farounbi was kidnapped on June 9, 2026, in Ora-Igbomina. Gunmen had picked four residents, but military operatives stationed in the town pursued them and rescued three. Only the council official was taken away.

This is the third kidnap incident in Ora-Igbomina in the last 8 months. In December 2025, retired Customs officer Emmanuel Owolabi was abducted and released after nearly four weeks. On February 1, two other residents were also kidnapped and released weeks later after ransom was paid.

Source: Punch Newspaper