By Ologeh Joseph Chibu
There appears no end in sight for kidnapping even in the South West portrayed to be the safest in Nigeria.
On Sunday, Irohinoodua learnt that no fewer than 20 passengers travelling between Ijebu-Ode and Sagamu were kidnapped by armed men.
The latest victims had women and children still held as at Monday evening
A police source said some of the abductors wore military uniforms.
“It happened around 9pn on Sunday. We understand the kidnappers blocked the highway with wood. Every on-coming vehicle they stopped. Some of the car owners who sighted the blockage left their vehicles and ran into the bush,” the police source who does not wish to be named told our correspondent.
He said the kidnapped were helpless because the criminals were well armed with AK-47.
Police were said to have stormed the venue after receiving information about the ugly incidence.
The police did not receive the information on time. By the time they came, they victims had been whisked away into the bush under the dark starless night, local sources told our correspondent adding that women and children were among those kidnapped by the armed men.
Locals said the Ogun axis of the Lagos-Sagamu and Lagos-Ibadan highways were the least policed. Rahman Solabi, a member of the local road transport union said the areas are vulnerable party because Amotekun in Ogun State is “very weak or almost non-existent” compared with other South West States.
He said police were understaffed and that a more energetic Amotekun in Ogun State would have made life safer for travelers and residents.
The Chairman, Ilisan Development Council Chairman, Wemmy Osude said “kidnapping incident occurred between the Area Command and Ilisan City Gate. A resident of Ilisan was reportedly shot in the knee and is receiving medical attention at Babcock Teaching Hospital.”
He said other victims were taken into the bush.
“While waiting for additional information, please contact your loved ones who may be plying that road at about this time to be cautious.”
Osude said he contacted Sagamu Police Area Commander.
“I have spoken to the Sagamu Area Commander about this incident, and hopefully, we trust that all the security agents will go after these criminals and rescue these people.”