Operatives of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the Police have rescued Mrs Ladi Abel, 45, the wife of a senior immigration officer, who was abducted on the Lagos–Badagry Expressway on Monday.
Abel was reportedly on her way to the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo, Lagos, to buy goods when she was kidnapped.
According to Isaac Elijah, the Public Relations Officer of the NIS, Seme Border Command, the victim was rescued around 11:45 p.m. on Tuesday at No. 47, Ogunleye Street, a swampy area in Ibereko, Badagry.
Elijah explained that the kidnappers fled the scene after learning that Police and Immigration operatives were conducting a house-to-house search in the area.
“It took the combined efforts of about 20 immigration officers, 25 police officers and some residents of Ibereko community to rescue the victim,” he said.
“The Divisional Police Officer of Badagry Police Station, CSP Folajimi Akosile, led the operation that uncovered the syndicate’s hideout. Unfortunately, none of the suspects was arrested as they had already escaped, leaving the victim behind,” he added.
The victim’s husband, CSI Abel Mada, said he had already paid ₦2.5 million out of the ₦3 million ransom demanded by the kidnappers before his wife was rescued.
“When they began shouting at my wife, we first sent ₦500,000 and later ₦2 million in the evening, but they insisted we must complete the remaining ₦500,000 before releasing her,” he said.
“I was still trying to raise the balance when I received news that she had been rescued by Police and Immigration officers around Ibereko swampy area,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of her mother, Miss Naomi Abel said Mrs Abel was abducted at Torikoh Bus Stop, Badagry, while travelling in a commercial vehicle to the Trade Fair Complex.
Naomi explained that the kidnappers, operating with two buses, blew a white substance on passengers, rendering them unconscious.
“About 15 people were taken to their hideout in Ibereko, and they released them one by one after receiving ransom payments. My mother said some of the kidnapped passengers were actually working with the gang,” she said.
Naomi expressed gratitude to all those involved in her mother’s rescue, adding that the kidnappers might have continued to exploit the situation to extort more money from the family.
(NAN)
