A socio-political group in Ondo State, Ondo Solidarity Forum ( OSF) has condemned a recent kidnap and prolonged incarceration by abductors, of notable pharmacist, Mr. Isaac Taiwo, and a lawyer, Mrs Oluwadayisi, both of whom are twin siblings
The incident, which occurred along the tricky Owo-Sobe Road in the state, led to the death of a person who was shot dead inside the target vehicle and serious injuries sustained by the driver and other occupants when the vehicle veered off and had a crash.
Reacting in a statement in Akure, the OSF publicity secretary, Comrade Samuel Alone, said it was high time a decisive action was taken against the malaise of kidnappers by both the government, the security agencies and community leaders.
“Every now and then, there are hues and cries in various homes arising from the activities of kidnap-for-ransom ‘merchants’.
“We are now afraid to move freely in our own country now owing to the activities of kidnappers who demand ransoms in several millions of Naira, under an economic situation in which most citizens are wracked by abject poverty,” he lamented.
According to Alonge, the situation is made worse as any kidnap victim whose ransom could not be paid was summarily killed, as they were often shot dead.
Recall that tragedy struck the Aragbaye family on June 12, 2025, following a deadly ambush along the Owo–Sobe highway that left one person dead and several others kidnapped.
According to reports, the victims—members of the well-known Aragbaye family in Owo—were traveling in the evening from Owo to Sobe to visit an elder sister when they were attacked by armed assailants.
The vehicle was being driven by Mr. Olufela Aragbaye, with the eldest sibling, Mr. Bogun Aragbaye, seated in the front passenger seat. Also in the vehicle were twins, Pharmacist Aragbaye Isaac Taiwo and Mrs. Kehinde Racheal Oluwadayisi (Nee Aragbaye), a legal practitioner and wife to the Human Right Advocate and Law lecturer, who had previously survived a kidnapping incident at her residence in Abuja.
Eyewitness accounts revealed that the attackers laid an ambush and opened fire sporadically on the moving vehicle.
Multiple bullets struck the car, critically hitting the two occupants in the front seat.
It was gathered that the eldest brother, Adebogun Aragbaye, was shot dead, while of their brothers, Olufela Aragbaye, who drove the car sustained a gunshot injury at the back.
The remaining people were abducted.
The gunmen had abandoned the two victims in the front seat and forcefully abducted the remaining occupants—Pharmacist Isaac Taiwo and Mrs Kehinde Oluwadayisi.
The victims were subsequently held captive for over six weeks, during which they reportedly endured severe abuse, intimidation, and inhumane treatment while the kidnappers demanded ransom from the family.
Sources close to the victims disclosed that the attackers made statements suggesting the family was being targeted due to perceived political affiliations, particularly alleged support for activist Omoyele Sowore.
The family has reportedly faced multiple threats and attacks prior to this incident.
The kidnapped victims were eventually released after the prolonged captivity, though details surrounding their release remain unclear.
This incident adds to the growing concerns over insecurity along highways in the region, as residents continue to call on authorities to strengthen security measures and protect lives and property.