Deadly Kidnap Syndicate Invades Festac

A deadly kidnap syndicate that specialises in forcefully taking their victims and demanding for millions of dollars before allowing them to breathe the sweet air of freedom again is currently on the prowl in that part of town.

So far, they have kidnapped over a dozen men and women, some of whom parted with millions before being let off the hook. In fact, right now in Festac Town, Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos, nearly all the millionaires live in fear – and constantly pray never to fall victim. Some have even begun moving out of the area.

Always dressed in military camouflage, their targets mainly are multi-millionaire Igbo businessmen ruling at ASPAMDA, Trade Fair Complex, Lagos. Another thing about them is that they always want their ransom paid in dollars. Well-coordinated and obviously working on information, they sometimes ask that the money be transferred to their accounts in South Africa, America and even London.

Their latest victim is one Frank Umeh. The multi-millionaire industrialist was kidnapped in front of his house (inside Raji Rasaki Estate, Amuwo-Odofin) on January 28, 2016. Interestingly, they only took the man, abandoning his driver with whom he was inside the car when they struck. And afterwards called the man’s family, asking for millions.

The family of another victim reportedly paid a whopping $1million. Yet the man has not been released, because the kidnappers claim the victim’s family disrespected them in the course of negotiation. Prior to Umeh’s kidnap, one Cosmas Ojukwu Anayo, also a businessman at Trade Fair Complex while going home (House 16, X Close, 21 Road) at about 8.15pm, was kidnapped. The man was with his four apprentices, but none of them was taken away.

Before that, Toyin, wife of The Sun Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Steve Nwosu, was also kidnapped and only got freed after ransom was allegedly paid.
Surprisingly, other than Mrs. Nwosu – whose kidnap attracted so much media attention – none of the others has been released. Meanwhile, visitors to Road 21, 22, 7, 3 and 4th Avenues are now subjected to thorough screening and security checks before being allowed in. The Nigeria Police and other security agencies have also been notified, and they are working round the clock to unravel and unmask the syndicate behind this. Families of the victims have remained distraught, praying and fasting for the safe return of their breadwinners. Likewise some of the victims’ friends, well wishers and business associates.

Paula B to Host Exclusive Listening Party Sunday
Paula. B is an upcoming Indie soul singer and songwriter with a blend of genres such as electro-soul, alternative hip-hop and alternative RnB. A recent graduate of Psychology in the UK, she combines doing music and mental health innovatively as never seen before. Paula describes music and mental health as her two greatest loves.
Paula. B who has been critically reviewed and described as a fresh cross between Asa, Nneka and Lauryn Hill, is determined to use her eccentric soulful sound to pass a message of positive mental wellbeing in each record she releases whilst making meaningful impact in both fields. She cites Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Nneka, Asa, Maverick Sabre, Lianne La Havis etc. as her influences. And if you are in Lagos, you wouldn’t want to miss her first live exclusive listening party on April 10 at Bogobiri House, Ikoyi from 5-7p.m.