Badagry residents live in panic as Mrs. Ladi Abel, a senior immigration officer, Chief Superintendent of Immigration (CSI) Abel Mada, who works with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Seme Command, was kidnapped.
It was said to have taken place on Monday morning, on the popular Badagry–Mile 2 Expressway, as Mrs. Abel was headed to the Trade Fair Complex on a purchase deal. According to eyewitnesses, she had left home by about 7 a.m., but never reached her destination.
They reached out to her husband some hours after the kidnappings, asking for a ransom of ₦7 million initially, which was later lowered to ₦3 million, and issued him a threat that he should fast act quick “if he wants his wife alive.”
Her husband, CSI Abel Mada, instantly informed the Badagry Police Station and the Area K Police Command about the incident and equally the Seme Command of the Immigration Service, where he works. Security operatives have already started hunting the suspects and following potential leads on the Lagos–Badagry corridor, whose reputation is that of a very bad track for robbery and kidnapping cases.
Talking to local journalists, one who is a family friend called the incident “heartbreaking”, and he urged the authorities to act fast. “This is a person’s wife and mother. She was just on her way about her normal duty when these people brought her. We can just hope that she comes back home safely,” he stated.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (Seme Command) also verified the incident, promising that efforts are being made towards the safe release of Mrs. Abel. The command, in liaison with the police and other security formations, is said to be examining intelligence obtained in the premises and telecommunication messages tracked to the intention kidnappers.
In the meantime, people who live around Sawmill, Badagry, the area the victim lives, have cried out, fearing and panicking about increasing cases of kidnappings on the axis. Commercial motorists and traders who use the Badagry–Mile 2 road assert that the location is no longer safe, particularly at the early and late periods.
Police have called on anybody with helpful information to get in contact with the family on 0808 088 3848 or go directly to the local police station.
At the time of filing this story, no categorical statement had been issued confirming if Mrs. Abel had been rescued or was still under negotiation.
Worth mentioned Mrs. Abel’s abduction highlights the insecurity dilemma deeper in areas around key security hubs such as Seme. Communities remain appealing the Lagos State Government and security units to increase patrols and vigil, particularly along seclusion areas along the Badagry–Mile 2 corridor.