Relief and gratitude have swept through the community of Ora-Igbomina in Osun State following the release of a retired Customs officer, Emmanuel Titilayo Owolabi, who was kidnapped by armed bandits on 15 December 2025 in his hometown in Ifedayo Local Government Area.
Owolabi was seized outside his home along Akisa Road shortly before 7pm when gunmen attacked the community near the Osun-Kwara boundary, sparking fear among residents.
The bandits initially demanded a ransom of N200 million, but it remains unclear whether this full amount was paid, was negotiated down or resolved by other means before his eventual release.
What is certain, however, is that the elder statesman is now safely back with his family, ending an ordeal that gripped both his community and observers across the country.
News of his freedom was announced by former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, Yemi Farounbi, in a statement issued on behalf of the community.
He offered thanks to God for Owolabi’s safe return, praising him as a patriot and a respected senior citizen whose absence had been deeply felt.
Farounbi also acknowledged the vital role played by traditional and social media in drawing national attention to the kidnapping, despite Ora-Igbomina’s remote location.
He noted that the widespread coverage helped amplify the community’s voice during a frightening and uncertain period.
The statement underscored the importance of unity, describing it as the community’s greatest strength, and concluded with a call for continued togetherness and self-reliance.
It stressed that cooperation among residents remains essential in confronting shared challenges and protecting one another in times of crisis.