Kidnappers Demand N1.2 billion for 4 Lagos Landlords

The abductors of 4 Lagos landlords who were kidnapped early Saturday as they exercised in the Isheri area of Lagos state have made contact with the families to demand N1.2 billion for their release.

The victims Mr Kennedy Ucheagwu, Dr Omololu, Bello and Mr Esang, are said to be landlords at Oshorun Heritage Estate, in Isheri, a border community between Lagos and Ogun state.

The 4 Lagos landlords were said to bbe takinng part in an aerobics session when masked gunmen in military camouflage intercepted and whisked them away in boats through the waterways.

Vanguard reports that one of the relatives of the abducted men, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that he got a call from one of the kidnappers urging him to arrange for the ransom.

“He said that we should get N1.2 billion before they would be released. He also told me to meet with relatives of the other people. He called back about four hours later to find out if the money was ready.

“He also asked if I had my own N300 million for the release my relation. I begged him to accept N200,000, as that was the only money we could afford, except he wants us to go and start borrowing or sell our property.”

Abdulmajid Ali, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command, Lagos, has deployed a Tactical Rescue Team with a mandate to rescue the victims unhurt.

Alli told newsmen that the team comprised police operatives and ICT experts from the Lagos and Ogun states commands, as well as those from the Force headquarters, Abuja.

Mr Ahmed Iliasu, Ogun State police commissioner, also told residents of the area during a visit, that 30 policemen had been deployed to join the search for the 4 Lagos landlords.