Armed men have kidnapped a Fulani herdsman, identified as Yahaya Sulaiman, in Ijebu Jesa, Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State, and are demanding a ransom of ₦70 million for his release.
The incident reportedly occurred around 9:00 p.m. on Monday, along the Iloko–Ijebu Jesa Road. Eyewitnesses said the attackers specifically inquired about Sulaiman’s whereabouts from a resident in the area before locating and abducting him.
Security sources described Sulaiman as a prominent cattle rearer within the Fulani community in the area, suggesting he may have been deliberately targeted.
“The gunmen arrived at about 21:00 hours on 4 May 2026. They asked specifically for Yahaya Sulaiman and took him away after identifying him,” a source said, adding that the kidnappers later contacted his family to demand ransom.
Confirming the incident, the Osun State Police Command spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the victim appeared to have been targeted.
“From all indications, he was specifically singled out. The matter has been reported and officers have visited the scene,” he said.
Ojelabi added that an investigation has begun and efforts are ongoing to secure the victim’s release, urging members of the public with useful information to assist the police.
He also noted that the victim’s family is yet to formally report to the anti-kidnapping unit but assured that security operations are ongoing in the area.
