Bizman kidnapped from mosque in Ogun

From ADE ADEYEMI, Ijebu-Ode

A popular businessman, Alhaji Safiriyu Araba has been kidnapped. This is barely two months after another top businessman and hotelier in Ijebu-Ode, was kidnapped and later released. Araba was kidnapped inside a mosque located opposite his house at Molipa area of Ijebu-Ode in the early hours of yesterday where he was observing the 6 o’clock morning prayers. This was coming barely a month after the mother of the House of Representatives member; Abiodun Abudu Balogun was kidnapped at her Ita-Otu residence in Ogun Waterside local government.

Speaking with Daily Sun, Alhaji Abdul Rasheed Kunle Onisesi who was equally in the mosque when the incident occurred expressed sadness over the desecration of the house of God by hoodlums. His words: “We even thought he was a mad man when he entered the mosque with his shoes on until he brought out pistol and another of his colleague showed up.” He added: “They ordered us to lie down and one of them went straight to Araba and said this is him.”

“Another member of the gang entered, wielding AK 47 rifle, which he threatened to shoot if we behaved funny. We were all terrified and laid down flat on the floor as they took him away into their waiting vehicle. Another worshipper simply identified as Buraimoh said, the incident was not only shocking but also disgusting for a kidnapper to have entered the house of God to commit such a great sin. As at the time of filling the story, the kidnappers were yet to contact the family to demand for any ransom while the whereabouts of the businessman remained unknown.

A close family member told Daily Sun that the matter had been reported to the security agencies in Ijebu-Ode and the Police Headquarters Eleweran, Abeokuta. Sources close to the Area office of the Police in Ijebu-Ode confirmed the incident and added that the matter had been reported to the highest authorities in the state. “We are on top of the situation, but I can tell you that the matter has been reported to appropriate authorities.”

Effort made to confirmed the development from the Ogun state Police Command was not successful as the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Muyiwa Adejobi could not been reached for comments.