Lagosians are in panic at the growing impunity of kidnappers who operate in broad daylight, adding new level of insecurity in an otherwise peaceful area of the country.
On Wednesday alone, the kidnappers were on the prowl as they abducted three people in Ago Palace Way Okota and Isheri areas of the State.
Nigerians in the Ago Palace Way are living in fear following the spate of kidnappings going on in the area inhabited mostly by Igbos.
Sources confirmed that kidnappers now target wealthy operators of popular bars and restaurants.
“So far, no fewer than 10 rich businessmen have fallen victims to these kidnappers and they are not smiling as millions of Naira have been paid as ransom,” a source noted.
A report by Vanguard said that a middle-aged man narrowly escaped death on Tuesday evening in Lagos State after he was shot by an abduction ring that attempted to kidnap him at the Gowon Estate area of the State. Though he managed to escape from the scene with his car, his abductors succeeded in shooting him in the leg and whisking his brother away.
A source noted that his kidnapped brother was held captive until “a substantial ransom amounting to millions of naira was paid for his release.”
The incident, which occurred adjacent to Diamond Estate along the LASU-Isheri expressway, took place on Tuesday evening around 9 p.m.
The victim, while narrating his ordeal, revealed that he was returning from a store where he “went to purchase a chain for his dog when he was cornered by some young men who abducted him to an unknown destination.”
His brother, who was also with him, sustained a gunshot wound in the leg after the perpetrators fired indiscriminately at the victim’s vehicle, leaving it riddled with bullets.
The incident took place very close to a police station in the area.
Such incidents are not new as they have become part of the regular security threats within the Idimu, Ikotun, Gowon Estate and Igando areas of Lagos State. Already, residents are on high alert following series of disturbing cases of abductions.
Sources noted that incidents of kidnappings have been taking place along the axis in the past few weeks, raising fears amongst people living in the area.
Some residents stated that the kidnappers must have amassed a lot of wealth from their operations in the areas.
Following this development, some residents of the community have resorted to distributing leaflets pleading with people living in the area to be security conscious.
Amongst security safety measures in the leaflets included advice to residents of the area to always return early to their respective homes and be vigilant in their surroundings.
They also advised community leaders to step up efforts by addressing the escalating security concerns in the area while estate chairmen have been tasked with raising awareness among residents about the evolving security threats.