Gunmen Kidnap Passengers Heading To Lagos; Demand Millions

Kidnapping in Nigeria has taken a worrisome dimension following the kidnapping on Wednesday morning of five Lagos-bound passengers by gunmen on the Lagos-Benin road near Ogbemudia farms.

The passengers were among occupants of a Greener Line space wagon Siena bus travelling from Warri, Delta State to Lagos when they ran into a barricade along the Benin/Ore/Sagamu/Lagos road. The suspected kidnappers were said to have blocked the highway with a truck, and the bus driver on sighting the barricade, slowed down.

Soon after, some gun-totting men were said to have emerged from the bush and took the passengers hostage after allowing the driver and one passenger to go and give information about the incident.

It was further learnt that one of the victims who lives in Lagos, was said to be returning to the state after a naming ceremony of his new-born baby in Warri when he was abducted along other passengers.

According to the father of one of the victim, a retired army colonel, the kidnappers had made contact and demanded N3 million ransom to set his son free, even as he pleaded with them to release his son unhurt, saying that it was difficult for the family to raise the amount they demanded.