KIDNAPPERS TAKE LAGOS-BOUND CAR, PASSENGERS HOSTAGE

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.

National Mirror reliably 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.

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.

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.

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.

Some citizens have, however, urged the police to look into a 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.

Source: National Mirror