Gunmen have kidnapped Philip Aivoji, chairman Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, as well as many other party leaders.
The Lagos State PDP publicity secretary, Hakeem Amode, said in a statement on Friday that Mr Aivoji was abducted by unknown kidnappers on Thursday.
“Aivoji was abducted on Thursday, Jan. 25, at about 6.00 p.m. on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway while returning from a stakeholders meeting in Oyo State convened by Gov. Seyi Makinde and Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun.
“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 State, Ogun, and Lagos State, alongside security agencies, to expedite efforts and secure his safe return to his family and well-wishers,” he said.
The PDP spokesman said that with increased efforts from security agencies, Mr Aivoji would be rescued from these criminals.
“We call on the public to support initiatives aimed at ending this threat to innocent lives,” he said
Reacting to the unfortunate incident, Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, the PDP 2023 governorship candidate, expressed shock over the news of the kidnapping of the party chairman, demanded urgent action against insecurity.
Adediran, in a statement issued by his spokesman, Gbenga Ogunleye, recounted that Mr Aivoji and some other members of the party were kidnapped while on their way from a party function in Ibadan on Thursday.
He described the incident as unfortunate and a disturbing dimension to the growing insecurity in the country, especially in the south western part of the country.
According to him, the government must intensify efforts in the area of security to end putting the lives of the citizens in grave danger.
“We demand urgent action from the security agencies to facilitate the immediate release of the abducted party chairman.
“We also advise that the regional local security outfit, Amotekun, should collaborate with the police in this rescue mission,” Mr Adediran said.
He prayed for divine intervention as he enjoined the party faithful not to despair but to keep praying for the speedy release of the kidnapped chairman and others.
