Magaji Adebanjo, a dedicated employee of Vine Crest College in Ogun State, has become the face of a harrowing kidnapping incident that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria this Thursday. A distressing video of the abduction surfaced online, showing Magaji Adebanjo sitting on the forest floor, flanked by armed men, pleading for his life as his captors demand a staggering ransom.
Why Magaji Adebanjo Is Trending Right Now
The name Magaji Adebanjo shot to the top of social media trends after Sahara Reporters released exclusive footage of him in captivity. The terrifying nature of the clip, where a gun is pointed directly at him while he begs, has triggered an outpouring of sympathy and outrage across X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.
Nigerians are actively searching for “Vine Crest College kidnapping” and “N100 million ransom” as the video circulates. The trend breakdown indicates high engagement with keywords like “Magaji Adebanjo video” and “Ogun State kidnapping,” as citizens express fear over the rising insecurity on major highways. The visual evidence of his distress has turned this into a priority topic for human rights activists and security analysts alike.
Full Story: The Abduction on Kabba Road
The ordeal for Magaji Adebanjo began earlier this week. According to his own testimony in the viral clip, he is a native of Imo Arigidi Akoko in Ondo State and works with Vine Crest College, a prestigious institution located in Iperu-Remo, Ogun State.
He was traveling from Iperu, Ogun State, heading to Abuja when his journey was violently interrupted. He stated that he was kidnapped along Kabba Road, a route that has become increasingly notorious for such incidents.
In the footage, a visibly shaken Magaji Adebanjo explains the gravity of his situation. “I was coming from Iperu going to Abuja yesterday… I was kidnapped along Kabba road,” he stammers, clearly under duress. The kidnappers have reportedly issued an ultimatum: they are demanding a ransom of N100 million to secure his release.
Key Moments, Reactions & Highlights
The video is difficult to watch, serving as a stark reminder of the brutality of kidnapping for ransom.
- The Plea for Life: With a rifle barrel resting near his head, Magaji Adebanjo makes a heartbreaking appeal to the public and the government. “Please help me. I don’t want to die,” he cries out.
- Family Tragedy: He reveals personal details that have amplified the emotional weight of the story. He mentions he has a pregnant wife, a four-year-old son, and an aged father waiting for him at home.
- The Ransom Demand: The figure of N100 million has shocked commentators. “They want 100 million… please help me,” Magaji Adebanjo repeats, emphasizing the impossibility of raising such a sum without external help.
- Social Media Outcry: Users on X are tagging the Nigerian Police Force and Ogun State government officials, demanding immediate intervention. The hashtag #FreeMagaji is beginning to gain traction.
For more updates on security alerts and breaking news across Nigeria, visit our safety section on HausaTracks.
What Happens Next?
As of Thursday afternoon, neither the Ogun State Police Command nor the management of Vine Crest College has issued an official statement regarding the abduction of Magaji Adebanjo.
Security experts anticipate that negotiations may be attempted behind the scenes, but the public exposure of the video puts pressure on security agencies to act swiftly. The mention of “Kabba Road” suggests the jurisdiction might fall under the Kogi State Police Command, though coordination with Ogun and Ondo authorities will likely be necessary given the victim’s profile.
Final Thoughts
The kidnapping of Magaji Adebanjo is a developing tragedy that highlights the persistent security challenges facing travelers in Nigeria. His plea is not just a cry for money, but a desperate request to return to his pregnant wife and young child.
We urge our readers to share this story to keep the pressure on the authorities. The life of Magaji Adebanjo hangs in the balance, and public awareness is currently his strongest ally.
Source: Sahara Reporters
