A horrific incident occured along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway on Thursday evening, resulting in the tragic death of a 37-year-old woman, Bilikisu Kazeem, and the abduction of prominent individuals, including the chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Philip Aivoji. The perpetrators are reportedly demanding a ransom of N200 million for the release of the kidnapped victims.
The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the death of Ms Kazeem to The Guardian.
The police also said the attack occurred along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, as the victims were returning from a South-West stakeholders meeting in Ibadan. Among those abducted were party chieftains, and the situation turned grim with the demand for a significant ransom.
The Ogun State Police Command, however, said officers are on the trail of the abductors. The State Police Commissioner, Abiodun Alamutu, assured that the police would catch up with the abductors.
The Lagos State chapter of the PDP, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Hakeem Amode, confirmed that the incident occurred as the party officials made their way back to Lagos. He also called on security agencies to move swiftly to secure the release of its chairman and other victims.
The statement said that Aivoji was abducted around 6 pm on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway while returning from the meeting in Ibadan. The statement noted that the stakeholders meeting in Oyo State was convened by Governors Seyi Makinde and Ademola Adeleke.
The statement added that “it is disheartening that kidnapping has become a prevalent issue in our country, and the government’s inability to address this menace is deeply concerning.
“The abduction of Aivoji underscores the pressing need for decisive actions from the government and stakeholders to eradicate this menace. Aivoji’s abduction was a violent incident, and his current whereabouts or any communication from the abductors remain unknown.
“We implore the governments of Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos States, alongside security agencies, to expedite efforts and secure his safe return to his family and well-wishers.
“We firmly believe that, with increased efforts from security agencies, Aivoji can be rescued from these criminals, and we call on the public to support initiatives aimed at ending this threat to innocent lives.”
The Lagos State chapter of the PDP also called on Nigerians, particularly in the South-West, to pray for the safe release of its abducted chairman, Aivoji and Augustine Jaiyeola, who is still missing.
The Secretary of the Lagos State Chapter of the PDP, Soji Orioye, made this plea in a statement made available to The Guardian on Friday, noting that the abducted chairman was elderly and frail.
According to Orioye, the party believes the abduction of Aivoji will not be treated with levity by the relevant authorities.
“Honourable Philip Olabode Aivoji is an elderly man of age and frail,” read the statement in part. “To this end, we are using this opportunity to solicit your prayers and intervention in any way to facilitate his safe release from his abductors for a healthy reunion with his family.”
