Fresh concerns over insecurity have emerged in Lagos after a motorist alleged that a gang of suspected kidnappers operating along the Apapa-Oshodi Motorway attempted to abduct him on Sunday morning.
The motorist, Fatai (other names withheld for security purposes), told Pinnacle Daily on Sunday, June 14, that he narrowly escaped what he described as a coordinated kidnapping attempt near the Second Rainbow Bus Stop while travelling to Festac Town.
According to Fatai, the incident occurred at about 7:30 a.m. along the last lane of the busy motorway.
“A gang of kidnappers are currently operating along the Apapa-Oshodi Motorway in Lagos,” he said.
He alleged that the group operated in a Lagos-coloured commercial minibus, popularly known as a “Korope”, with tinted screens.
According to him, one of the suspects was dressed in a police uniform and armed with a rifle, while two others, dressed in polo shirts, attempted to force motorists out of their vehicles after intercepting them on the road.
“They are a team of four people using a Lagos-coloured and tinted small bus. One in a police uniform with a rifle sits hiding in the middle seat of the bus, while two in polo shirts would come out trying to get you out of your car after crossing you from the front,” Fatai said.
Recounting his experience, he said the suspected kidnappers targeted him while he was on his way to a church assignment in Festac Town.
“I escaped because God set confusion in their midst,” he said.
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Fatai urged motorists using the route to remain vigilant, particularly during the early and late hours of the day.
“As you drive along this route, be careful of branded buses that have tinted glasses and avoid the last lane at early hours and late hours. If you must ask for directions, do so at a place where you can see many people left and right,” he advised.
The reported incident comes amid heightened national concern over kidnapping and violent crime across Nigeria.
On Saturday, the presidency expressed shock over the death of retired Major-General Rabe Abubakar, who died while in the custody of terrorists after being abducted in Katsina State.
In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Bola Tinubu condemned the killing and vowed that the government would not yield to terrorist demands.
“Bandits, kidnappers, and sponsors of terror should now surrender or face the full force of the Nigerian state,” the president said.
“These windows of surrender will not remain open forever. And no mercy will be shown to those who trade in the blood of Nigerians.”
Tinubu also assured citizens that the government remained committed to defeating criminal groups threatening national security.
“As Nigerians, we must stand united and be assured that the enemies of our nation shall soon be history. We will triumph over terror and continue to build a more prosperous nation,” he said.
The President further described the death of the retired general as a defining moment in the country’s fight against terrorism, insisting that those behind such crimes must continue to be treated as enemies of the state.
Alex is a business journalist cum data enthusiast with the Pinnacle Daily. He can be reached via ealex@thepinnacleng.com, @ehime_alex on X