Kunle Adelabu
-As kidnappers demand N10milion ransom
The Chairman of Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Ikorodu Division, Lagos State, Southwest, Nigeria, Builder Olusesan Daini, has stated that local, state and the federal government security agencies are working day and night to rescue the couple that were kidnapped on Thursday.
According to the report gathered, the victims, Alhaji Tijani Mukaila Bayo and Alhaja Tijani, were kidnapped at Afa between Oreyo and Igbe Laara in Igbogbo, and whisked away in a boat through the Afa river.
THE IMPACT gathered that a senior official with the Lagos State Government, was also kidnapped last month at Ogunro community which is within the same area where the latest incident took place, thus, causing apprehension among the residents over the security situation in that area.
THE IMPACT gathered that the couple were forced out of their Corrola car with Abuja registration number BWR 518 AY. Since then, the local security teams, who were later joined by the police and other security agencies, have been on the kidnappers’ trail.
We gathered yesterday that Alhaji Tijani’s wet clothes were found inside the creek by the team of security personnel that have been combing the creek.
Meanwhile, the kidnappers have allegedly demanded for N10million ransom before the victims can be released, and we authoritatively gathered that concerned residents and groups have been using different social media platforms to solicit support to raise the fund.
The police position could not be ascertained as at the time of this publication.
In a chat with Builder Sesan Daini on Sunday morning, he said that combined efforts are on to rescue the victims, and also assured that such will not happen again.
“We are doing our best in making sure that we recover them, and we are not just doing that but also doing a lot to make sure that such do not reoccur in our community, Division and in our State”, he said.
“It is a top security issue and we don’t have to disclose plans and strategy that are being deployed, but I just want to appeal to residents that they should remain calm and speak out when they see something.
The council boss charged residents to always call the attention of the council and other authorities to any suspicion thing that they see for prompt action.
“They should get in touch with us through JTF, my direct line, police, traditional rulers and every other means. Those behind kidnapping are not ghost and we need the support of people to get them”, he said.
“I can assure you that we are on top of it. The state government is on top of it and all federal security agencies are fully involved in making sure that this is resolved and permanently resolved”, he said.
A resident of Igbe community, speaking on the incident and general security situation on the Ipakodo – Igbogbo – Bola Tinubu – Afa – Igbe Laara – Gintin Road Volunteer Platform, Mr Dawodu Adekunle, called out the Chairman of Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Builder Sesan Daini, and his Ijede LCDA counterpart, Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo – Alogba, on the kidnapping incidence, and urged them to do more in protecting lives and properties of the people in their domains.
“My intention in writing this message is to express deep concern and to demand your immediate attention to the escalating kidnapping crisis occurring within your jurisdiction. It is with a heavy heart that I bring to your attention the distressing rise in incidents of kidnapping in our local community”, he said.
“Families are living in constant fear, businesses are being affected, and the overall sense of security is rapidly deteriorating. This issue has reached a critical point where the safety and well-being of our residents are at stake.
“As the esteemed chairman of our local government, entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring the welfare of our community, we implore you to take immediate action to address this grave issue”, he charged.
The concerned resident also called for increase security surveillance and collaboration among security agencies among other suggestions as ways of tackling the kidnapping menace and other security challenges.
“We urge you to: Increase police presence and enhance surveillance in high-risk areas to deter criminal activities; Strengthen intelligence-gathering efforts to identify and apprehend the individuals and networks involved.
“Collaborate closely with neighboring jurisdictions and relevant agencies to coordinate efforts and share intelligence on kidnapping activities; Allocate additional funds and resources to support law enforcement agencies in their fight against kidnapping; Enhance public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on preventive measures and encourage reporting of suspicious activities and Establish a task force or committee dedicated to addressing the growing kidnapping crisis, consisting of experienced professionals who can devise effective strategies”, he added.
