Kunle Adelabu
-Residents call on govt to clear Afa swamp
More facts are unfolding regarding the kidnapping incident that occurred at Igbe Alagemo area of lgbogbo/Bayeku LCDA in Ikorodu Division, Lagos State, Southwest, Nigeria, on Wednesday, where two residents who were visiting their site were allegedly kidnapped by daredevil men armed with AK47 guns.
However, some of the residents were also saying that only one woman identified as Ms Seyi, was kidnapped in the incident.
The victim is said to have her shop at Igbe Oloja.
THE IMPACT gathered that the incident happened behind the Dukam Primary School, lgbe, and that residents, including local security personnel, CDA officials and others, mobilized and pursued the kidnappers into the swamp which led to gun duel.
Unfortunately, two of the residents that went after the kidnappers, it was gathered, died contrary to some news that there was no casualty. One other person was fatally wounded. We were also informed that the conditions of others who sustained injuries were not that serious.
It was gathered that the two casualties – one Baba Sunday and another called Jagaban who was a bricklayer, were the ones that led the local security people because they know the swamp terrain.
The police, army, the Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA Local Joint Taskforce later responded and continued from where the local vigilantes and residents stopped the search to rescue the victims.
THE IMPACT gathered that there was a kidnapping attempt on Tuesday which was foiled.
According to the report gathered, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ikorodu Police headquarters, and his men alongside local security taskforce, stormed the Olumo and Afa areas and combed the Afa canal which is bushy, in search of the kidnappers’ hideouts after the Tuesday kidnapping attempt.
Meanwhile, residents have charged the government to come to their aid and make their communities which, according to them, are now turning into kidnappers’ haven, safe again.
They also charged the local government to ensure that the swampy area which is bushy is cleared and the axis constantly monitored.
Some are also calling for self – help since they have been left to their fate and in the hands of the kidnapers.
Engr. Ali Shakir, in a post on a WhatsApp platform with large numbers of residents of Igbe communities, charged the CDA to take up the responsibilities of clearing the swamp, but others said that it is the duty of the Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, to ensure that is done.
“Quick way forward is to mobilize all CDA members to cut down all the trees kidnappers are hiding on top and clear the bushes with bulldozers. This is what was done in Ishawo and Itokin to chase them away. Let’s us work the Talk”, he said.
“Is local government waiting till Igbe and its environs are deserted due to kidnapings? “, he asked rhetorically.
Another resident, simply identified as Lako, said: “But cutting of such should be done properly by the local government as that is their duty to tackle insecurity within their zone”.
Biskaz called on the community to put measures in place to battle the kidnappers.
“Presently, I believe we should implement any logistic that can help to fight insecurity in our environment for the safety of our lives rather than waiting for government”, he said.
In his own contributions, another residents with WhatsApp registered name, Soft maintain, also contributing late evening on Wednesday, called for protest to bring the attention of the government to the plight of Igbe communities.
“I think it’s high time we organize a massive protest over the insecurity in this environment. There have been series of kidnapping incidents in this community. I believe there are insiders among these people who are watching”, he said.
“Please, all we need to do is to make all communities stand up to this and be very vigilant. Nigerian economy is hard and at the same time, we are still battling with kidnappers demanding for ransom. God punish devil! ”, he added.
One Adebayo, in his own reaction, stated: “This is not a small issue, we can’t just ignore we have families and friends who stay in this community. The Lord is our strength”.
Joseph Obe called on security agencies to perform their duties and protect lives and properties, especially in Igbe communities.
“First incident was in the evening/night, second (attempted robbery) was in the morning, now, the third was in the broad day light. So, when are we safe at Igbe Laara?”, he asked rhetorically.
“All agents concerned should do something fast”.
However, there was no response yet from the Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA authority, as at the time of filing this report. The Chairman, Builder Sesan Daini, was yet to respond to calls and chats sent to him on the WhatsApp.
Combined conventional and local security personnel are still combing the Igbe Laara creek to rescue the victims.
Residents have also called for support for the families of the gallant vigilantes that lost their lives during the rescue operation on Wednesday.
