Tension in Ogun as Gunmen Abduct Six Real Estate Marketers in Bold Daylight Operation

Residents of Oyebola village in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State have been gripped with fear and uncertainty after six real estate marketers from a Lagos-based property firm were abducted on Sunday in what authorities have described as a “carefully coordinated operation.” The shocking incident, which occurred in the early hours of the day, has intensified concerns about the growing insecurity affecting communities in the South West, particularly those located around semi-rural development corridors. The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, confirmed the disturbing development late Sunday evening, assuring the public that the command is doing everything within its power to rescue the victims unhurt and bring the perpetrators to justice.

According to eyewitnesses and preliminary police findings, the marketers had traveled to Oyebola village for a routine site inspection and valuation project when they were ambushed by yet-to-be-identified armed men. The team, which consisted of surveyors, sales agents, and field officers, reportedly arrived in a company-branded vehicle before being cornered shortly after they began their inspection. Residents told local reporters that the attackers emerged from a bushy path, fully armed and masked, immediately ordering the marketers to lie face-down before seizing their phones and personal belongings. The gunmen later forced the six individuals into the forest, taking advantage of the vast and difficult terrain that surrounds the village.

Commissioner Ogunlowo described the attack as both “unprovoked and highly disturbing,” noting that kidnappers appear to be expanding their operations into areas previously considered relatively safe. He explained that the police were alerted shortly after the incident occurred, prompting the immediate deployment of tactical units, anti-kidnapping operatives, and local vigilante groups to comb the surrounding forests. As at the time of filing this report, the police have intensified search efforts across multiple forest belts believed to serve as escape routes for criminal groups operating within the axis. Ogunlowo also revealed that drone surveillance has been activated to support the ground search teams, stressing that no effort will be spared in securing the freedom of the abducted marketers.

A senior police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, hinted that the abductors may have trailed the marketers from Lagos or received advance information about the team’s movement. The officer said the pattern of the abduction suggests a high level of planning, adding that investigators are looking into possible internal leaks or informants who may have provided the criminals with crucial details, such as the timing and location of the visit. The officer also confirmed that no ransom demand had been officially communicated to the victims’ families or the company, although such communication is usually made within 24 to 48 hours.

Employees of the affected real estate company have been thrown into panic since learning of the incident. A staff member who spoke anonymously described the situation as “terrifying and heartbreaking,” noting that the abducted individuals had only gone for a standard field assignment. “These are hardworking people who left home thinking they would return by evening. Now their families are in shock. The company is devastated,” the employee said. Management of the firm has reportedly established a crisis response team to coordinate with law enforcement agencies, gather information, and provide support for the families of the victims.

Community leaders in Obafemi-Owode have condemned the abduction and called on the government to strengthen security presence in rural communities that are increasingly becoming targets for criminal activities. A Baale in a neighbouring village told journalists that residents can no longer move freely or carry out their farming activities without fear. He noted that Oyebola and surrounding settlements have witnessed several security threats in recent years, ranging from robbery attempts to suspected herders’ clashes, but Sunday’s abduction marks the most alarming incident so far. “We are living in fear. If professional marketers can be kidnapped in broad daylight, what is the fate of ordinary villagers?” he lamented.

Security analysts say kidnappers are now targeting professionals such as surveyors, land agents, and real estate marketers due to the assumption that companies in the property sector can quickly mobilize large sums of money for ransom. Analysts also pointed out that many forested areas along the Ogun–Oyo–Osun route have become escape corridors for criminal gangs who take advantage of weak surveillance and understaffed security formations. The recent incident, they warn, may discourage investors and firms from carrying out real estate development projects in rural regions, ultimately affecting local economic growth.

Meanwhile, residents continue to express concerns over the slow pace of infrastructural development in the region, particularly the lack of accessible roads, effective communication networks, and consistent police patrols. Many believe that improved infrastructure would make it harder for criminals to operate undetected. A community youth leader stressed that the presence of well-paved roads and proper lighting could significantly reduce crime by limiting the mobility of kidnappers and making fast police response more possible.

As tension heightens, families of the abducted marketers are enduring a nightmare of uncertainty, praying for the safe return of their loved ones. Some relatives who gathered at the company’s Lagos headquarters described the situation as a “traumatizing experience,” with one parent saying she had not slept since hearing the news. She pleaded with security agencies to “act fast before something terrible happens.”

Commissioner Ogunlowo reassured the public that the police are fully committed to the rescue mission, urging residents to remain calm and provide any useful information that could aid the investigation. He emphasized that the fight against kidnapping requires strong collaboration between security operatives, community stakeholders, and local intelligence sources. While expressing confidence in the ongoing search operations, he also acknowledged the complexity of tackling criminal groups that rely on dense forests as hideouts.

The Ogun State Police Command has urged anyone with credible information to come forward immediately, assuring whistleblowers of full protection. As rescue efforts continue, the incident has once again brought national attention to the rising wave of kidnappings in Nigeria, raising urgent questions about the effectiveness of current security strategies and the need for sweeping reforms. For now, the families, the real estate company, and the nation can only hope that the abducted marketers are found safe and that those responsible face the full weight of the law.