Hostage-taking
assumed a new dimension in Edo State on Wednesday, as gunmen hijacked a fully
loaded Lagos-bound Toyota Sienna car along with the driver and five passengers
on the ever-busy Benin-Lagos Expressway.
assumed a new dimension in Edo State on Wednesday, as gunmen hijacked a fully
loaded Lagos-bound Toyota Sienna car along with the driver and five passengers
on the ever-busy Benin-Lagos Expressway.
National Mirror reliably
gathered that the incident occurred before Okada around Ogbemudia Farms.
gathered that the incident occurred before Okada around Ogbemudia Farms.
The unfortunate victims were travelling on a Greener Line
Transport Company car from Warri in Delta State to Lagos. It was further
gathered that the kidnappers barricaded the road with a truck, forcing the
driver to stop.
Transport Company car from Warri in Delta State to Lagos. It was further
gathered that the kidnappers barricaded the road with a truck, forcing the
driver to stop.
Immediately, gunwielding men emerged from the bush to take the
victims hostage. However, they allowed the driver and one of the passengers to
go scot-free so as to inform the public about the incident.
One of the victims, who resides in Lagos, was said to be
returning after the naming ceremony of his newly born baby in Warri, but taken
along with the other passengers.
returning after the naming ceremony of his newly born baby in Warri, but taken
along with the other passengers.
The father of the victim, a retired Army Colonel, told our
correspondent that the kidnappers had made contact with his family, demanding
N3 million as ransom to set his son free.
correspondent that the kidnappers had made contact with his family, demanding
N3 million as ransom to set his son free.
The father said he had pleaded with the kidnappers to release
his son unhurt, especially as it was difficult for the family to raise the huge
ransom being demanded. The release of the driver of the vehicle has, however,
sent tongues wagging with many suspecting a foul play.
his son unhurt, especially as it was difficult for the family to raise the huge
ransom being demanded. The release of the driver of the vehicle has, however,
sent tongues wagging with many suspecting a foul play.
Some citizens have, however, urged the police to look into a
possible collaboration that ensured the success of the crime.
possible collaboration that ensured the success of the crime.
Contacted on the incident, Edo State Police Command Acting
Public Relations Officer, Mr. Awhara Ejiroro, said he was yet to be briefed on
the incident.
Public Relations Officer, Mr. Awhara Ejiroro, said he was yet to be briefed on
the incident.
Source:
National Mirror
National Mirror
