LAGOS JUNE 9TH (URHOBOTODAY)-Residents of Banku Estate at Ibafo area of Ogun State have deserted their homes for fear of being abducted by pipeline vandals who have taking to kidnapping as another source of making good money.
Mostly affected are businessmen and the well to do whom Urhobotoday learnt are now moving out of the area for fear of falling into the hands of the vandals who have now taken to kidnapping as a way of survival.
Urhobotoday equally gathered that some of the hoodlums who are pipeline vandals in the area have taken to kidnapping following the increased presence of soldiers and officials of other security agencies who are currently ‘combing’ the creeks at Arepo and environs in search for criminals.
An eye witness disclosed that prominent traditional ruler in the area who was allegedly kidnapped two weeks ago paid the sum of N5million as ransom to secure his release.
Speaking on the recent invasion of the estate by the hoodlums our source stated, “The hoodlums arrived around 8.30pm on Wednesday. When they arrived, they fired over 80 shots to scare away people. They later headed for the home of a prominent businessman in the area. As at the time they arrived the place, the target was not at home. Out of anger, the hoodlums started firing sporadic shots. Two of the occupants of the house died during the shootout, while three others sustained bullet wounds.”
Defence Spokesman, General Rabe Abubakar, while reacting to the activities of the hoodlums in the area called for support from members of the public.
He said, “The criminals are not doing us any good. The community leaders and well meaning Nigerians should assist us to flush these hoodlums from the area”.