Gunmen abduct farmers, carts away crates of eggs, chickens

Sunday the 27th November, 2016, is one day residents of Igbodu community in Epe area of Lagos will not forget in a hurry.
About 7:30am of that day, gun men numbering about 20, dressed in military camouflage stormed the community through the water ways, shooting sporadically into the air.

Eye witness account has it that the gunmen continued firing shots for some 15 minutes to scare people away before they descended on Kodjo farm where seven persons working on the farm were kidnapped.  The hapless farmers were whisked into a waiting boat that sped off into the seas, it was reported. The whole confusion lasted till 8am.

It was also gathered that while the shooting was going on, the gunmen had time to gather and made away with about 50 live fowls and over 20 crates of eggs.

When the dust settled, it was found that the gunmen had kidnapped 65-years-old Kakaja Joseph, a security guard at the farm and four other poultry workers.
Information also has it that policemen attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) had foiled an attempt by the kidnappers on Monday, to abduct students of Molajoye Community High School, while on the assembly ground.

One of the poultry workers who narrowly escaped abduction and requested anonymity, said: “After kidnapping my colleagues, the gunmen went to Molajoye Expressway where they attacked a bus and also kidnapped two travelers. Some of the occupants of the bus sustained   injuries.”

Mr. Isaiah Joseph, son of the abducted guard, said: “Since our father was kidnapped, we’ve been running from pillar to post, to secure his release. When he left home on Saturday, we expected him back on Sunday for church service. We waited with our mother, but he didn’t show up. We decided to go to the farm to check on him. We were told by one of the engineers that he had been abducted, along with three other workers.”

Joseph said that the management of the poultry had assured them that they would make efforts to secure his release soonest.

“We’re still waiting for him to return, but our major concern is his health. He’s old. We don’t know how they are treating him,” said Joseph.

Mr. Isaac John, in-law to Kakaja, said the farm management has promised to negotiate with the kidnappers as soon as they get in touch, but we are yet to hear from them.”

John further said: “We’re anxious! We don’t know his condition presently. If not because of the economic situation in the country, the old man wouldn’t be doing that sort of job.”

Meanwhile, the Baale of the community, Chief Oguntayo Abiodun, said they were still discussing the kidnap of the guard and   poultry workers, when news about the attempted abduction of Molajoye students reached them.

“On Saturday, there was serious commotion in the community when the gunmen confronted men of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) in a gun battle.  The sporadic shooting lasted for about 29 minutes.

“We’re appealing to the state government and the police to provide regular patrol in the community. Some of the local vigilante men cannot confront the gunmen because of the sophisticated weapons they carry. Some investors in the community have started relocating due to the incessant abductions of farmers and workers in the community. Farmers these days fear to go to work.”
In his reaction, Alashe of Igbodu, Chief Olaitan Oshodiro, “Those militants, who were dislodged from Arepo, Isawo and some parts of Ogun state, have relocated to our area. We cannot sleep anymore. We’re dying of hunger!

“Now we cannot go to farm for fear of being kidnapped. We go to bed by 6:30pm these days. Even in our sleeps we fear for our lives,” he lamented

However,  a close acquittance to one of the victims, who  spoke to our correspondent in confidence on Tuesday evening disclosed that the kidnappers had contacted the family by phone, demanding for the sum of N20 million as ransom for the five farm workers.

The source added that a 48 hours ultimatum was given to the families to raise the money or risk the lives of  the victims.

Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Dolapo Badmos however denied any such occurrences in Epe.

“The command wishes to state that this publication is not only false and misleading, but a figment of the imagination of the writer. EPE axis and Lagos State, is totally safe. There is no invasion by militants or any other criminal elements on any part of Lagos.

“The command hereby advises anyone peddling this falsehood to desist or be made answerable to the law. Residents of EPE and Lagos at large should disregard this falsehood and carry on their lawful activities, as the command has devised operational strategies to ensure safety of lives and property during this festive season.
“Members of the public are enjoined to report any suspicious movement to the command through its emergency numbers 767 or 112.”