Gunmen have abducted Mrs Ladi Abel, the wife of a Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) officer, along the Badagry-Mile 2 Expressway in Lagos State, demanding a ₦7 million ransom, later reduced to ₦3 million.
The incident was confirmed on Tuesday by the Public Relations Officer of the NIS Seme Command, Mr Isaac Elijah, in an interview with journalists in Badagry.
According to Elijah, the 45-year-old woman left her home in the Sawmill area of Badagry around 7:00 a.m. on Monday to buy goods at the Trade Fair Complex when she was intercepted and taken away by unknown gunmen.
“The kidnappers used her phone to contact her husband, CSI Abel Mada, and demanded ₦7 million for her release,” Elijah said.
He added that the criminals called again early Tuesday morning and reduced the ransom to ₦3 million, warning that the woman’s life was at risk if the money was not paid soon.
“Today (Tuesday), at about 6:00 a.m., one of the kidnappers called again, reducing the ransom to ₦3 million if the husband wants the woman released alive,” Elijah stated.
The matter has been reported to the Badagry Police Station and the Area K Zonal Command of the Nigeria Police Force, who are currently investigating the case.
Elijah appealed to members of the public who may have useful information about the incident to assist the authorities. He also released a contact number, 0808 088 3848, for anyone with credible leads that could help trace the kidnappers or rescue the victim.
The abduction adds to the growing list of kidnapping cases across Nigeria, raising fresh concerns about safety on major highways, even in areas like Lagos that are heavily populated and closely policed.
As of the time of filing this report, the victim remains in captivity, while security agencies continue their efforts to locate and rescue her.
