No words from kidnappers of Nigerian businessman

Abiodun Onafuye/ Abeokuta

Contrary to rumour making around and posting on the social network, Facebook that the kidnappers of the Ijebu-Ode, Ogun state businessman, Alhaji Safiriyu Araba, have made ransom demands, the man’s family said no contact has been made with them.

Araba, popularly known as Aranse Oluwa, after the trading company he founded, Aranse Oluwa Building Materials Company, was kidnapped in a mosque, Osenatu Iyalode mosque on Adebayo Lawal street, Olorunsogo area in Molipa, Ijebu Ode, Ogun state, southwest, Nigeria Sunday morning after the early morning prayer.

“It is not true at all, since Alhaji was taken away on Sunday morning, we have been eager to hear from his abductors and I can confirm to you
now that as I am talking to you at this hour now, 1.00pm, we have not been contacted by the kidnappers and we are getting worry now.

“As you all know, we are careful about the police involvement, so as not to complicate the issue, but with prayer all things are possible.
I want to appeal to the kidnappers to get across to us so that we can know the condition of this man. He has been in their custody since
three days ago, we don’t know what is happening to him now”, the source disclosed.

It was speculated in the social media such as Facebook early today that Araba’s abductors have contacted the family and that Araba himself had spoken with the wife. The unconfirmed reports also said a sum has been named and that negotiations have begun.

But family sources debunked the reports.

”We are doing everything within our reach to see that Alhaji come back home hale and hearty, don’t bother to ask about the step we are
taking, God is in control”, he stated.