By Ayodele Oni
The Lagos State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has cried out over the abduction of its chairman Philip Aivoji on Thursday.
The party in a statement on Friday explained that the chairman was returning from a meeting in Ibadan and was kidnapped along Lagos/Ibadan highway.
The statement, signed by its publicity secretary, Hakeem Amode called on security agencies and government authorities at all levels to intervene promptly and secure the release of Aivoji.
It stated that “Aivoji was abducted on Thursday, January 25, 2024, around 6 pm on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway while returning from a stakeholders meeting in Oyo State convened by Governors Seyi Makinde and Ademola Adeleke.
“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, Ogun, and Lagos States, alongside security agencies, to expedite efforts and secure his safe return to his family and well-wishers.
“We firmly believe that, with increased efforts from security agencies, Aivoji can be rescued from these criminals, and we call on the public to support initiatives aimed at ending this threat to innocent lives.”
Reacting to the incident, Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran (JANDOR), the governorship candidate of Lagos PDP in the 2023 general elections expressed shock over the news of kidnapping of the State Party Chairman along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway yesterday.
It was reported that the Lagos PDP Chairman, Mr. Philip Aivoji and some other members of the party were kidnapped while on their way from a party function in Ibadan yesterday.
Dr. Adediran described the unfortunate incident as a disturbing dimension to the growing insecurity in the country, especially in the South West.
He stated that the abysmal failure of government in the area of security has further put the lives of the citizens in grave danger.
Adediran demanded urgent action from the security agencies to facilitate immediate release of the abducted party chairman. He also advised that the regional local security outfit, Amotekun should collaborate with the police in this rescue mission.
However, Dr. Adediran 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.
A report on Friday evening revealed that abductors of the politician have demanded for N200 million ransome to secure his release.
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