Gunmen return to Ishawo, abduct three

Released Immigration officer preparing for thanksgiving also kidnapped

Again, daredevil gunmen on Sunday invaded Ishawo community in Ikorodu area of Lagos State and abducted three persons, including an Immigration officer, who was only last week kidnaped and released.

Kidnappers stormed the area, shooting heavily to scare away residents, while they operated for nearly 30 minutes unhindered. At about 2:30p.m. yesterday, residents were seen fleeing the community in droves.

It would be recalled that the Immigration Officer with Ikoyi Passport Office, Peter Ofulue, was kidnapped last week Monday and later released by his captors on Wednesday. The officer was again abducted in his house on Sunday morning while preparing for church thanksgiving service to mark his freedom.

A family source told newsmen that: “When he was released, we were very happy. We were in the village in Delta State doing thanksgiving service when one of our brothers called that he has been abducted again for the second time. He was cleaning his car for church service to also celebrate his release when four gunmen stormed the house and forcefully took him.

“I am still surprised that until now, his abductors are yet to contact us. His phones are switched off. We are afraid that something sinister will not happen to him. I am calling on the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, to do something urgently to rescue our brother. He is the breadwinner of the family.”

A police officer who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said: “We received reports that three persons were kidnapped during the weekend. For that of the Immigration officer, I would advise the family to look inward as there could be an insider’s connection.

“How come he was abducted last week, released and he is now abducted again and in his house. If it is not an insider’s connection, it is either the hoodlums are living in the same area. He should be able to know whether he offended anyone,” he said.

Speaking to The Guardian, a resident, Tunde Omoleye, said: “We are tired of living in this area. Kidnappers are on the prowl in Ishawo and Ikorodu. It is now a daily affair. Everyday, one person is kidnapped either for ritual purpose or for ransom.

“Six of my friends who built houses with me have all relocated. Houses are being abandoned daily by landlords for fear of being abducted. As I am talking to you, I have contacted my brother in Ajegunle Ketu to help me look for accommodation. I need a two-bedroom apartment. I want to relocate my family.

“It is a shameful thing that we are being stolen like chicken daily. There is no security anymore. We have a formidable vigilance group, but the kidnappers are more armed than them. The militants are armed with sophisticated weapons; we can’t confront them. That is why we are begging the Marine Police to come to our rescue. Our investment and property here are useless as they are of no economic value anymore due to persistent insecurity,” he lamented.