Kidnappers now have list of rich men to be abducted

When the economy is in recession, crimes and criminality will naturally be on the increase as many who are finding it hard to maintain their lifestyle may resort to devicing desperate measures. Only yesterday someone sent me a text that I should call a particular number for a business. It's fraud!

Reports have it that residents of New Haven Estate in Iba area of Lagos said gunmen, who abducted three landlords in the estate, have a list of rich men they are targeting for abduction.

A landlord in the estate, who had fled the area, told Punch that the attackers abducted a commercial motorcyclist plying the estate on Friday and forced him to give them names of wealthy landlords.

It was reported on Thursday that there was tension in the estate after gunmen, who came in military uniform, abducted three landlords.

A woman, identified only as Mrs. Nwoche, was also abducted from her residence on Saturday, while the two others were picked on Monday at about 11am, while going to their offices.

Speaking with Punch, the landlord, who begged that his name should not be mentioned, said he fled the estate because he was told that his name was on the list with the abductors.

He said, “I cannot come to the estate. I left with my family about two weeks ago. The abductors had come to the estate and abducted a commercial motorcyclist, Chima. They ordered him to give them a list of rich landlords in the estate, which he did.

“It is that list that the kidnappers are using now. I learnt my name is included and that is why I fled the area, but I get updates everyday from my neighbours there.”

Another resident, identified as Stanley, said several houses in the area had been abandoned due to fear of the kidnappers.

Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, said investigation was ongoing into the matter.