The family of Mrs. Olanike Ogundare, who was abducted from her residence in the Oke Agaye area of Ijedodo, Lagos State, has confirmed her release after she was held by kidnappers.
A family source disclosed on Saturday that she regained her freedom after the payment of a ransom of $17,500.
Mrs. Ogundare was reportedly kidnapped in the early hours of Wednesday at about 1:00 a.m. from her home on Olufemi Ogundare Street when armed men stormed the residence, overpowered a security guard, and took her to an unknown location.
It was earlier reported that the family had engaged security operatives, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), in efforts to secure her release, while also involving local security groups and community leaders.
Sources familiar with the incident said the abductors initially demanded a ransom of ₦60 million, which was later converted into foreign currency during negotiations. It was also gathered that part of the ransom, reportedly about ₦5 million, had already been transferred through an intermediary before her eventual release.
The kidnappers were said to have contacted the family multiple times using the victim’s phone, with communications handled by an individual believed to be acting as a middleman.
Mrs. Ogundare’s release comes amid growing concerns over rising kidnapping cases in parts of Lagos and other states, where residents continue to call for stronger security intervention.
