Bandits struck Ijebu-Ode on Monday evening. They abducted three family members from a residential estate in a raid that's rattled the community.
About 15 gunmen, heavily armed, stormed Ipojo Golden Estate around 7 p.m. The attackers forced their way into a building in the Oke-Eri area and vanished with the victims.
Ogun State Police Command confirmed the abduction on Tuesday. Spokesperson Oluseyi Babaseyi told reporters that investigations had begun to recover the victims and catch those responsible.
Residents who witnessed the assault said the gunmen appeared without warning. They operated for several minutes, overwhelming security in the estate and creating panic among occupants.
According to witnesses, the armed men broke through security measures before targeting the house. Once inside, they searched multiple rooms for valuables before taking the three victims away.
Names of the abducted persons haven't been officially released yet. But people in the area described it as one of the worst security breaches they've seen in recent times.
Gunshots and commotion sent shockwaves through the neighborhood that night. Many residents locked themselves indoors, fearing they could be next.
"We were terrified because nobody expected such an attack in this environment," one resident told reporters on condition of anonymity. "The gunmen came in large numbers and carried dangerous weapons."
He noted that security gaps exist despite private arrangements. Everyone ran for their lives when the attackers arrived, he added.
This abduction joins a troubling pattern across Nigeria. Criminal gangs now target homes, highways, and communities with increasing frequency to extort ransom payments.
While Ogun State has escaped the worst of northern banditry, experts warn that criminal networks are expanding southward. Economic hardship and weak coordination between local security forces have created openings for these groups.
Babaseyi assured residents that operatives were tracking the kidnappers. He called on the public to stay calm and share information that could help investigations.
Police have not yet confirmed whether the abductors made contact. No ransom demand has been announced so far.
The incident has prompted fresh demands for tighter security across estates in Ogun State. Community leaders are calling for more police patrols and faster emergency response systems.
Residents want authorities to focus on vulnerable neighborhoods. They're also pushing for better coordination between estate management and law enforcement agencies.
Security remains a growing concern in parts of the state. Officials say they're reviewing strategies to prevent similar attacks in the coming weeks.
