Gunmen invade Lagos community, kidnap two landlords, one other

There was tension in Ever Winning Avenue, in the Isheri Osun area of Lagos State after gunmen invaded the area and whisked away two landlords and a woman.
It was learnt that no fewer than 500 residents were sacked from the affected community.
Problem ensued last weekend when the gunmen, numbering about eight, invaded the neighbourhood and hijacked a woman, identified simply as Iya Mitchell.

A resident was quoted by Punch as saying that while the community was trying to raise the N6m ransom reportedly demanded to free the woman, the kidnappers returned to the community on Monday and made away with two landlords.
The names of the landlords were given as one Okon, a retired customs officer, and one Felix, who deals in electrical materials.
A community leader, who spoke with newsmen, said, “Some of us were relaxing outside around 7pm on Friday when we heard gunshots. We fled in different directions.
“After they had abducted Iya Mitchell, they went to another building, but the residents had fled. The entrance door of the building was riddled with bullets. We reported the matter at the Isheri Police Division and policemen came, but they left after some minutes.

“The following day, they called the woman’s husband for a ransom. I learnt they asked for N6m, but they are still negotiating. On Monday, around 7.30pm, they came again and took Mr. Okon and Felix. The gunmen were many.
“We are over 500 that live here. You can see how many of us are left. As soon as my children return from school today, we are leaving too.”
Another resident, who gave his name as Isiaka Rufai, called on the relevant security authorities to send military into the community.
“We are no longer safe here and that was why a lot of people packed out. Until Friday when the first kidnap happened, this community used to be lively. The police alone cannot secure this place. We also need military men to be here always. That is the only way we can be assured of our safety,” he said.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, who confirmed the development, said the police would ensure that the victims were rescued safely.
She said, “Three people were abducted. The case is under investigation and efforts are on to rescue them and arrest the perpetrators.”
Recall that armed men had on September 17 kidnapped nine landlords at Isheri, Ogun State,‎ a bothering town with Lagos State.