Gunmen kidnap Lagos PDP chairman, party leaders, demand N200m ransom

Gunmen kidnap Lagos PDP chairman, party leaders, demand N200m ransom

The chairman of the Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Philip Aivoji, has been kidnapped alongside other party chieftains by unknown gunmen.

The abduction took place in the Ogere area of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, following their participation in the party’s Stakeholders’ Zonal Caucus meeting in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Sources, who preferred to remain anonymous, disclosed that the abductors are requesting a ransom of N200 million for the safe release of the party leaders.

Confirming the incident, the state publicity secretary of the party, Honourable Hakeem Amode, called on security agencies and government authorities across all levels to swiftly intervene and secure the release of the abducted chairman.

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Amode revealed that the chairman was returning from a stakeholders’ meeting in Oyo State convened by Governors Seyi Makinde and Ademola Adeleke.

He said, “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.”