One month after kidnap in Imo, family of Olaoluwa Adetona begs for his release

The family of Olaoluwa Adetona, a Globalcom employee kidnapped over a month ago in Imo State, has issued a public appeal demanding urgent and transparent action from both his employer and relevant authorities to secure his release.

Adetona was abducted on May 6, 2025, around 12:30 p.m., while returning from an official assignment in Umuaka, Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State.

According to the family, his vehicle, a Toyota Hilux, was attacked and hijacked by unknown gunmen. Although his two expatriate colleagues managed to escape, Adetona was taken away by the assailants.

“It has been over a month of agonizing uncertainty since Olaoluwa was snatched from his family,” the family said in a statement released on Thursday, June 12.

“For Mrs. Funmi Adetona, Mr. Adetona’s wife, that night was shattered when she called his phone and someone else answered.”

The family disclosed that initial updates from Globalcom offered some hope. They were informed that efforts were being made to communicate with the kidnappers, and on one occasion, that Olaoluwa had spoken briefly with colleagues. The abductors allegedly promised to release him on May 9, an assurance that was never fulfilled. A second promise the following day was also broken.

As the days turned into weeks, frustration has grown. On May 21, Mrs. Adetona visited Globalcom’s corporate headquarters in Lagos to seek updates but was only given “general reassurances” of ongoing efforts. The following day, she travelled to the company’s regional office in Imo State and received similar responses.

While the family acknowledges the complexities involved in kidnapping cases, they are becoming increasingly alarmed by the “lack of proactive communication and consistent updates” from the company.

“Olaoluwa has dedicated years of service to Globalcom, and his family believes his company has a profound responsibility to ensure his well-being and safe return,” the statement read.

“The family is appealing to Globalcom, and indeed all relevant authorities, to intensify their efforts, communicate transparently with them, and leave no stone unturned in securing his freedom.”

The case has been reported to the Nigerian Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Owerri, Imo State. The family is also calling on the public to assist the investigation by coming forward with any information, “no matter how small.”

“The family’s sole focus remains on Mr. Adetona’s safe return, and they implore all parties with influence to act decisively and compassionately,” the statement concluded.