PDP Demands Release of Abducted Lagos Chairman, Others

• We’re on the trail of abductors, says Ogun CP

 Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded the immediate release of the Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the party, Mr. Philip Aivoji, who was abducted last Thursday on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

But the Ogun State Police Command said it was on the trail of Aivoji’s abductors.

Aivoji was abducted at the Ogere axis of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, alongside nine other party members who were with him.

They were said to be returning from the party’s Stakeholders’ Zonal Caucus Meeting held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital when they were abducted.

The party in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, in Abuja yesterday, expressed concern about Aivoji’s well-being and safety, especially considering his age.

Ologunagba condemned the spate of kidnap for ransom, mindless killings, marauding of communities and other acts of terrorism across the country.

He said that the ugly trend called for urgent action by President Bola Tinubu to ensure the release of all those held in kidnappers’ dens in various parts of the country.

“Our party however appreciates and commends the efforts of our gallant men and women in uniform for their patriotism, courage and determination in the fight against terrorism, kidnapping and other social vices.

“This is despite daunting challenges.

“The PDP charges the security high command to take urgent steps to secure the release of Aivoji and all other Nigerians trapped in abductors’ camps in various parts of the country.

“Our party calls on Nigerians to be alert and continue to support our security agencies in their efforts to safeguard our nation at this very critical time,” Ologunagba said.

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command has said it was on the trail of Aivoji’s abductors.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abiodun Alamutu, who said this while speaking with journalists in Abeokuta promised that the police would catch up with the abductors of the party chieftain.

He said that the police had engaged the gunmen in a gun duel which forced the abductors to release nine of the abducted while the PDP Chairman was taken away.

“It is true, they were kidnapped on Thursday evening at Ogere on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

“Our men engaged them and in the process nine of the victims were released but the PDP chairman was taken away,” he said.