The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has confirmed the abduction of two of its employees, raising fresh concerns over the safety of utility workers in Nigeria’s Southwest.
In a statement issued on Monday, the company disclosed that the incident occurred on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, involving staff members operating under its Ogun region.
IBEDC identified the victims as Seun Bakare and Idris Salami, noting that a third employee, Bisola Owoade, who was initially abducted alongside them, has since regained freedom.
The company expressed deep concern over the situation, assuring that it is working closely with security agencies to secure the safe release of the remaining victims.
“We are deeply concerned about this situation, and our thoughts are with our colleagues and their families at this difficult time,” IBEDC said, adding that it has maintained active communication with the families of the abducted staff while providing necessary support.
Despite initial confusion over the location of the incident, authorities have clarified that the abduction took place in Oyo State, not Ogun.
The spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, Babaseyi Boluwatife, dismissed earlier claims linking the incident to Ogun, directing enquiries to the Oyo command.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, Ayanlade Olushola, stated that the victims were abducted while carrying out official duties at Sayeed Farm in Olohunde village.
“There was a case reported that two staff of IBEDC, while they were at Sayeed Farm on official duty, were abducted by yet-to-be-identified men,” Olushola said.
“Since then, the command has intensified efforts to ensure they are rescued unharmed and reunited with their families.”
Authorities have yet to confirm details regarding any ransom demand, although unverified reports suggest that the kidnappers may have demanded as much as N300 million.
The incident underscores the growing security challenges faced by workers, particularly those operating in remote or rural areas, and highlights the urgent need for enhanced protection measures across essential service sectors.
