Terrorists hold Ekiti farm manager after N15m paid ransom
By Samuel Ogunsona
A farm manager, Omogbolahan Emmanuel Olaniyi, remains in the hands of suspected Fulani kidnappers in Ekiti State despite payment of N15 million ransom by his family.
Olaniyi and one of his staff members, Kazeem, were abducted on October 23, 2025, at the farm where they work in Oke-Ako town, located in Ajoni Local Council Development Area.
Kazeem, one of the victims had been tragically killed.
The kidnappers initially demanded N15 million, along with food, drinks, recharge cards, and a mobile phone, which was paid in full on October 30 at Egbe in Kogi State.
The forest between Egbe and Iyemero has served as the terrorists’ axis of evil where kidnapped victims are kept and ransom exchanged for freedom. Local sources told Irohinoodua that that the forest is likely home to arms being used by the kidnappers.
However, instead of releasing Olaniyi, the abductors have now threatened to kill him if their new demand for N55 million is not met within 24 hours.
“My brother Omogbolahan Emmanuel Olaniyi and one other staff was kidnapped on the 23rd of October 2025 by suspected Fulani herdmen… the kidnappers demanded for ransom of 15 million naira and other items… which was given to them on (30th of October),” a family source said. “Till now he’s yet to be free, Please we need your assistance to reach the Ekiti state government to act on the matter.”
In a distressing phone call, the kidnappers issued a fresh ultimatum, demanding payment or they would harm Olaniyi.
“This morning the kidnappers called again to threaten us to pay the ransom before 24hrs else they will kill him,” the family source added.
Olaniyi’s mother has appealed for her son’s release, pleading with the kidnappers to spare his life.
“Please, don’t kill him. We are coming. Please stop beating him. For God’s sake, where should we come? Don’t beat the boy. He’s only working for his boss. He just had an accident,” she said in a video obtained by a media house.
The family is now calling on the Ekiti State government to intervene and secure Olaniyi’s release.
Counting on the new deadline for ransom payments, the family remains anxious, fearing for Olaniyi’s safety.
