The old woman, Mafe Jimoh who was kidnapped around 11PM yesterday was said to have been taken to an unknown destination, as the police are yet to unravel the details of her whereabouts.
The kidnappers numbering about four and who were said to be armed with guns and other dangerous weapons, were suspected to be former militants. Though the police said no ransom has been demanded, a family source said the kidnappers have already contacted the family demanding N4 billion.
Police spokesman Aremu Adeniran, who confirmed the development, told reporters in Akure, the Ondo State capital, yesterday that the incident was reported at Igbotako police station around 11.30pm on Sunday.
It was gathered that the gunmen arrived at the one-storey building in the outskirts of town around 8pm, pretending to be customers, who wanted to buy some locally made mats from her.
The guard on duty, Donatus Ekuma, said Mrs Ibrahim was upstairs when the kidnappers arrived.
Ekuma said: “Four of them came in a vehicle. Two alighted and demanded to see mama. They claimed to be her customers and said they wanted to buy some mats.
“I told them she was resting upstairs, but they insisted on seeing her personally before making their purchase and I obliged them. When mama came out, they dragged her forcefully into their vehicle.
“I immediately raised the alarm, but the gunmen pointed their guns at me and other domestic staff, ordering us to lie face-down.”
Sources said the kidnappers were yet to demand any ransom from the family.
It was learnt that Mrs Ibrahim left her phone at home and does not know any number off-head.
Jimoh Ibrahim said: “I was at a function in Omu Aran, Kwara State, when I got a text message of the incident in Igbotako. Even though it was late at night, I informed top hierarchy of the Nigeria Police.
“Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Hafiz Ringim quickly responded by swinging into action. The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State, was also kind enough to visit Igbotako within a short period of time. The police have commenced investigation and they are making useful progress.
“Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko made a telephone call to me yesterday afternoon and promised to work with the police to unmask this gruesome crime, which is unacceptable in a civilised society.
“I thank the public and assure them that the Nigerian security agencies are up to the task. I am confident that mama will return home safely.
“The public is urged to note that the police will publish the full report of their investigation. I will not be able to make further statement on this matter in order not to obstruct investigation. I’m sure that God Almighty will give us success in this matter.”
Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola decried Mrs Ibrahim’s abduction.
Aregbesola said her kidnap further raises questions on the deplorable security situation in the country and urged security agencies to ensure that she’s released safely.
A chieftain of the Accord Party (AP), Mr Julius Olaoye, was allegedly abducted at the weekend in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, by suspected members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).
Another member of the party, Mr. Ajasa Balogun, and his wife, Kehinde, were injured, while appealing to the hoodlums not to abduct Olaoye.
The incident reportedly occurred at an AP office in Iyana Church at about 7pm on Sunday.
A factional leader of the NURTW was said to have led the armed men to the scene in a Mercedes Benz jeep and whisked Olaoye away to an unknown destination.
The AP House of Assembly candidate in Lagelu Constituency, Mr. Temitope Olatoyin (a.k.a Sugar) told reporters yesterday that the case had been reported at Monatan police station. He said the Commissioner of Police had also been petitioned.
Police spokesman Olatunji Ajimuda said he had not been briefed.
An Osogbo-based businessman, Alhaji Raufu Olaiya, was on Sunday evening abducted by four gunmen.
Olaiya, a leading beer distributor, was abducted around 8.30pm, at a gas station located at Olaiya junction.
A source said: “They were four in number. Two of them, who were wearing army uniforms, pretended to be dragging one of them in a fight, until they came close to Olaiya. They suddenly let go of the man they appeared to be fighting with and made for Alhaji, saying this is the man. They carried Alhaji like a small boy into their jeep, where the driver was holding a gun to scare people way.”
Olaiya’s daughter, Bolanle, said they had reported the case to the police.
Police Commissioner Solomon Olusegun said he wasn’t aware of the incident.
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