Crime

Kidnappers lay siege to Epe

Published

10 years ago

March 30, 2017

By ALEX OLISE

Residents of Epe area of Lagos State are now living in fear following the re-occurring cases of kidnapping targeted at wealthy individuals who are forced to part with huge amounts running into millions to free their loved ones.

The renewed fear among citizens and foreigners followed the over 10 cases of abduction reported in the area to the police in less than a month.

The most recent was the abduction of an undergraduate of Caleb University two days ago in the area. The captors who are now demanding N10 Million for the release of the student are yet to be traced by security agents.

National Daily, investigation early this morning revealed that the Lagos Commissioner of Police Mr. Fatai Owoseni has directed top operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to comb the major black spots in Epe and environs with a view to arresting and breaking the camp of the perpetrators.

It could be recalled that two months ago there was tension in the area when Police operatives on routine duties engaged suspected kidnappers in a gun duel at one of the hideouts. The Epe are of Lagos has now been turned to kidnap base by criminals who have been unleashing terror in parts of the state since early last year.

Early this year an 85-year old woman was abducted in her son’s residence by gun men. Also another top public servant who resides in the area was kidnapped on his way home after the day’s work.

To crown it all a royal father was abducted at his palace in Iba area of the state. He was later released after over N15 Million was paid.

Police later arrested the perpetrators and recovered parts of the money but few of the suspects are still at large with some part of the ransom paid.