Six Lagos-based real estate marketers have been kidnapped in Ogun State during a land inspection visit, the police confirmed late Sunday. The incident, which occurred on Friday in Oyebola village, Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area, has heightened concerns over the rising cases of kidnapping across several parts of the country.
The victims, who work with a Lagos real estate company, were taken away by gunmen shortly after they arrived in the rural community to inspect a parcel of land meant for development and future marketing. Their abduction adds to a growing list of recent kidnappings targeting workers, schoolchildren, travellers, and residents in different states.
Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, confirmed the attack, saying the police command was immediately alerted and had since begun efforts to track down the kidnappers and rescue the victims unharmed.
According to police findings and community sources, the marketers were brought from Lagos by their company to see the land in Oyebola village, which is located off the main road in a quiet, heavily forested area of Obafemi-Owode. Land inspections are routine in the real estate industry, especially for companies seeking to acquire new property or promote new estates.
The team had reportedly walked around the area and were being shown boundaries and access points when a group of armed men suddenly emerged from a nearby bush. The gunmen, whose exact number remained unclear as of Sunday night, surrounded the marketers and seized six of them at gunpoint. They were then marched into the thick forest.
No information has yet been released regarding ransom demands, and the identities of the abductors have not been confirmed.
Commissioner Ogunlowo explained that the command had deployed tactical teams to the area and was working closely with local hunters, vigilantes, and community leaders to trace the movement of the kidnappers.
“So, they brought some marketers from Lagos to come and see the land so that they can have the requisite information to market the land to members of the public,” he said.
“It was during their visit to this land that the six people were abducted. The command had been on it since, and we shall definitely ensure that these people regain their freedom.”
Ogunlowo assured residents that the police were leaving no stone unturned, adding that rescue operations were already underway.
The abduction of the six marketers comes at a time when Nigeria is witnessing a disturbing spike in kidnapping incidents, with attackers increasingly targeting soft spots such as schools, churches, rural communities, and travellers on highways.
Over 300 students were seized from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State, marking one of the largest school kidnappings in recent years.
In Kebbi State, 25 girls were abducted from their school by suspected bandits.
Multiple passengers have also been taken along key highways in Kaduna, Ondo, and Kogi States.
In response to the worsening security situation, governors of the 17 southern states renewed their demand for the creation of state police during a meeting held earlier this week in Iperu-Remo, Ogun State. The Southern Governors’ Forum, chaired by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, insisted that the establishment of state police was “non-negotiable.”
Governor Abiodun argued that Nigeria’s current policing structure cannot adequately cover all communities or respond swiftly to local threats. He said state police would allow governors to directly mobilise trained officers who understand the terrain, culture, and security challenges of their states.
Many of the governors pointed out that the federal police system struggles to deploy enough officers nationwide. Nigeria currently has fewer police officers per citizen than the United Nations recommends, leaving large rural areas vulnerable to gangs, bandits, and kidnappers.
Their renewed call follows several years of public advocacy for state police by civil society organisations, traditional rulers, and community groups. However, the issue has stalled at the national level due to constitutional hurdles and disagreements in the National Assembly.
Ogun State, although previously considered relatively safe, has recently seen a rise in kidnappings, highway robberies, and cult-related violence. The Obafemi-Owode axis, where the latest abduction occurred, is surrounded by thick forest belts that criminals often exploit as hiding places. Security analysts have repeatedly warned that without strong local policing, such areas remain attractive to kidnappers.
Real estate companies operating in Ogun have also stepped-up complaints regarding security risks. Because the state shares a close boundary with Lagos, many property developers invite potential buyers and marketers from the commercial capital to visit new land sites. These inspection visits often take place in rural or newly acquired locations, increasing their exposure to criminals.
Families of the abducted marketers have been contacting police authorities and their employers, hoping for updates. Although the police have not released the victims’ names, it is believed that they were part of a team sent to verify land documents and evaluate the site before marketing it to the public.
The company involved has not issued a statement, but colleagues of the victims described the situation as “heartbreaking” and “terrifying.” Some employees expressed fear about returning to the field for future inspections until security improves.
Residents of Oyebola village and neighbouring communities have urged the state government and federal authorities to increase patrols in forest areas and improve surveillance.
The Ogun State Police Command is expected to brief the public as rescue operations progress. Commissioner Ogunlowo assured residents that the command remains fully committed to securing the release of the victims and restoring calm.
As the nation grapples with frequent kidnappings, the abduction of the six real estate marketers has once again pushed the conversation on security reform to the forefront. Many Nigerians believe that without immediate structural changes—especially the creation of state police, such attacks may continue.