... residents cry out to governor Dapo Abiodun

Dayo da-Silva, Ogun 

Residents of Isewo and Orisumbare in Obada-Oko area of Ewekoro Local Government in Ogun State, are now living in palpable fears as the communities have been partially taken over by kidnappers terrorising the areas.  

The inhabitants of the two communities who called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to save them from the Kidnappers before they resort to self help, told Nigerian Newstrack that the recent in the spate of Kidnapping was barely 72 hours ago and the fourth within a month.   

That was the mood when Nigerian Newstrack got to Isewo Community where family members, neighbours and other residents were seen trying to gather money to pay for the ransom of the two adult males and one elderly woman who were kidnapped on the community road on Saturday evening, while returning home from their places of work. 

One of those on the road identified as Rasaq Lasisi who would have been the fourth victim was said to have escaped from the kidnappers but sustained injury as he was hit with a gun.  

According to the relations of those taken away, the abductors had requested for the sum of 10 million naira before it was reduced to 5million naira and later 1.5million naira. 

As the crew of Nigerian Newstrack was interviewing relations and friends of the victims , a call came in from the kidnappers. 

The abductors insisted on the payment of the sum of 1.5m naira before they can release the three people taken away. 

As the phone conversation was going on, another victim identified the voice of the caller as one of those who Kidnapped him and one other lady, just few weeks ago.

He narrated how he was abducted from the comfort of his house in an adjoining Community named Orisumbare and went through 5 days of harrowing experience in the hands of the Kidnappers before he was finally released after paying a ransom.  

He said they trekked in the bush from after 7:00 pm in the evening till 5:00 am of the next day, while he was beaten daily with little or no food.

He explained that, food items and other needs were brought by unknown people, while the 5 kidnappers were armed with sophisticated guns, knives, matchets and charms.

The chairman of Orisumbare Community Development Association , Pastor Emmanuel Agboola narrated how a woman was kidnapped at a celestial church in the area, before another three persons were taken away in a cherubim and Seraphim Church while two others, a youngman and a lady were also taken away in the community within a spate of one month. 

Some of the residents have vacated their built apartments to rent accommodation outside the area while others who have nowhere to go are calling on the state government, to come to their aid. 

When contacted ,the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, in the state ,DSP, Abimbola Oyeyemi confirmed the incident revealing that one suspect who is a strong member of the kidnap syndicate  has been arrested in connection with the case .

Oyeyemi assured that the Police have commenced investigation and would soon arrest other members of the syndicate, urging members of the public to always come forward with useful information.

He said it is sad that some insiders connive with the criminals, but the state Police command would not spare anyone aiding such criminal activities.