Suspected Kidnappers Abduct Businessman, Three Children, Mother in Kwara

Police rescue 12  victims, parade 92 suspects in Enugu

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin and Gideon Arinze in Enugu

Suspected gunmen have kidnapped a charcoal dealer, Mr. Kola Bosere, and his assistant who was simply identified as Philemon in Jebba town in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Similarly,  gunmen have reportedly kidnapped three children and their mother  at Ajilete village in Agunjin district in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

This is just as  the  Enugu State Police Command yesterday rescued a total of 12 victims kidnapped from various locations in the state.

In Kwara state, the men of the anti-kidnapping squad of the state police command have launched a search and rescue operation in the town.

THISDAY checks revealed that the two victims were abducted in the early hours of Monday in the town.

One of the families of the victims who sought anonymity told journalists in Ilorin on Tuesday that “the suspected kidnappers invaded Sikiru’s residence at bed at about midnight.

“Sikiru, who exports charcoal to other countries, was taken away by the gunmen along with his assistant Mr. Philemon.

“Philemon, was later released while Sikiru’s whereabouts has remained unknown.”

It was gathered that Philemon is receiving treatment at an undisclosed private health hospital in Jebba.

The Kwara State Police Command Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr.  Okasanmi Ajayi, has confirmed the incident and said that the police have since launched a search and rescue operation.

Ajayi said: “A case of kidnapping was received early this morning, one victim already rescued while efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining victim and possibly arrest the kidnappers.”

Meanwhile, suspected gunmen have reportedly kidnapped three children and their mother  at Ajilete village in Agunjin district in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

THISDAY checks revealed that the incident occurred on Sunday night around 8.00 pm  and left the residents of the town to  scamper  for safety.

It was further gathered that the kidnappers reportedly stormed the community shooting sporadically before they abducted the victims from  their residence and marched them into the forest.

The abductors have, however, contacted the family demanding for N100 million ransom.

Speaking on the issue  yesterday, the TIC chairman of the council, Jide Asonibare, confirmed the development,  adding that they are yet to make any progress on the matter.

According to him, “We have already informed the police and army both in Kwara and neighbouring Kogi states.  Fifteen of  our vigilance  men are still combing the bushes but there is no headway yet. The kidnappers have contacted the family demanding N100 million ransom.”

Calls to the spokesman of the state police command, Ajayi Okasanmi were not answered before the filing of this report. He was also yet to respond to a text message sent to his telephone.

Meanwhile, the Enugu State Police Command  rescued a total of 12 victims kidnapped from various locations in the state.

The police also said they have arrested a total of 92 suspects for their alleged involvement in various criminal activities, including conspiracy, murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, rape, unlawful possession of firearms, and fraudulent acts between August and September.

The state Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, made this known yesterday during his maiden address to journalists at the headquarters of the Command.

In his address, Uziegbu said although the task of effectively policing society is daily becoming daunting, he has ensured that the right policing strategies are devised to tackle existing and emerging security challenges in the state.

According to him, “These strategies are subsumed in my grassroots-driven, proactive, people-oriented and problem-solving policing thrust, which is in line with the policing vision and mission of the acting Inspector-General of Police (IG), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.”

The CP noted that he has also met and interacted with critical security stakeholders, including local government area chairmen, traditional rulers, heads of other security agencies, and others, on the best ways to collectively tackle security challenges in the state.

Among those arrested for conspiracy and kidnapping was Kelechi Okwara, who conspired with his brother to kidnap his master’s mother-in-law, his nanny, and a little baby to an unknown destination at about 8 p.m. on September 23, 2023.

According to him, “They demanded and obtained a ransom of N3 million from the said master, and used the proceeds to buy a red Toyota Corolla car.

“The suspect was arrested the following day at Nokpa/Ezimma Nike boundary point by police operatives in Abakpa and Trans-Ekulu Police Divisions, with assistance from Neighbourhood Watch Group, and the car was recovered while his said brother is still at large.”

Items recovered from all the arrests made included four AK-47 rifles, 333 live ammunition, 66 firearms of different categories, and 25 vehicles.

The CP thanked the state Governor, Peter Mbah, for his support and encouragement to the police, while also assuring the people of Enugu State and visitors that the police remain committed to ensuring that maximum security and tranquility are maintained in the state.