Father recounts ordeal as three-year-old son abducted in Ogun

A businessman, Salmon Ajuwon, has been left devastated after his three-year-old son, Rohan, was abducted on August 28, 2025, while playing football outside their compound in Matogun, Ogun State.

According to Ajuwon, the day began ordinarily.

Rohan had not been feeling well earlier, so they spent some time together indoors before he went out to play with his elder sister and other children.

Ajuwon later stepped out to a nearby spot where he usually relaxes and plays draft.

To his surprise, Rohan showed up there barefoot, but he sent him back home to put on his slippers.

That brief encounter was the last time he saw his son.

Moments later, his wife came looking for the boy, believing he was with his father, while Ajuwon assumed he was still at home.

It was then they realised Rohan was missing.

Panic spread through the household, and a frantic search began. Community leaders, including the Baale, were immediately alerted, and reports were made at three different police stations.

Despite efforts, no trace of the child was found.

Ajuwon said he initially suspected two people: an elderly man who often sat near the draft spot and a local man known for selling Indian hemp.

Both were questioned by the police but later released due to lack of evidence.

He also revealed that posters of Rohan had been widely circulated by family members, community associations, and social media users, though no credible information had surfaced.

The distraught father dismissed the possibility of his son wandering off by accident, insisting it was a clear case of kidnapping, especially since no one had reported finding him. Neither he nor his wife has received any ransom demand.

Describing Rohan as smart, obedient, and friendly but cautious with strangers, Ajuwon expressed deep concern about his son’s well-being.

“He doesn’t like going far from home.

“Even when he plays outside, he usually returns within 15 to 20 minutes to check on us,” he said.

The family, which has lived in Matogun for just over two years, said they had no quarrels with anyone who might wish them harm.

Both parents have turned to their faith for strength—Ajuwon attending prayers at the mosque and his wife seeking solace in church.

“We are holding on to God. We are deeply worried and saddened, but we trust that God will make a way,” Ajuwon said, appealing to the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue his son.

For now, the family remains hopeful that Rohan will return safely.