By Ayobami Ife, Abeokuta
Two employees of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) have been abducted by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers along the Ibadan–Ijebu Expressway, sparking outrage and desperate appeals from their families.
The victims, attached to the Sagamu/Ikenne Business Unit, were said to have been seized on April 29, 2026, at Ogunmakin in Ogun State while carrying out official assignments for the company.
The Daily Crucible had earlier on Monday reported that the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) confirmed the kidnapping of two of its employees in Ogun State on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
The company also voiced serious concern over their safety and the emotional toll on their families as uncertainty lingered.
In an official statement, IBEDC management disclosed that it was collaborating closely with security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the two victims.
“We are actively engaging with their families and providing all necessary support during this difficult time,” the statement read.
The company, however, declined to release further details, citing the sensitive nature of the situation and ongoing rescue operations, even as it appealed for public understanding, urging restraint as efforts to secure the safe return of the affected staff continue.
However, sources said the abductors have demanded a ransom of N40 million — N20 million for each victim — and negotiations so far have failed to scale down the amount.
Also, family members disclosed that the kidnappers established contact using one of the victims’ phones. In a distressing video call with his wife, both men were seen visibly battered and in critical condition, heightening fears over their safety.
One of the victims is said to be related to a source familiar with the situation, who described the ordeal as devastating.
According to the families, the captives are suffering severe injuries and urgently need medical attention.
The situation has also triggered controversy, with relatives alleging that IBEDC distanced itself from the crisis.
They claimed the company told them to handle the matter independently, despite the workers being on official duty at the time of the attack.
The palpably distraught families are calling on security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, and the Amotekun Corps, to urgently intervene and secure the victims’ release.
They also appealed to the Ogun State Government and the Federal Ministry of Power to take immediate action, warning that any further delay could endanger the lives of the abducted and traumatized workers.
As anxiety deepens, the families are also urging Nigerians to amplify the case and draw national attention to the plight of the kidnapped staff, hoping it will accelerate rescue efforts.
•Additional source, Picture Credit: Ogun State Youths Association of Nigeria Facebook page.
