The Peoples Democratic Party in Lagos State has called on security agencies and government authorities to intervene promptly and secure the release of its abducted Chairman, Philip Aivoji.
The State’s PDP Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Hakeem Amode, made the call in a statement he issued on Friday.
Aivoji was abducted on Thursday on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway as he returned to Lagos State from Oyo State where a stakeholders meeting of the party took place in Ibadan.
Amode said in the statement: “Aivoji was abducted on Thursday, January 25 at about 6.00 p.m. on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway while returning from a stakeholders meeting in Oyo State convened by Governor Seyi Makinde and Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun.
“It is disheartening that kidnapping has become a prevalent issue in our country and the government’s inability to address this menace is deeply concerning.
“The abduction of Aivoji underscores the pressing need for decisive actions from the government and stakeholders to eradicate this menace.
“Aivoji’s abduction was a violent incident, and his current whereabouts or any communication from the abductors remain unknown.
“We implore the governments of Oyo State, Ogun, and Lagos State alongside security agencies, to expedite efforts and secure his safe return to his family and well-wishers.
“We call on the public to support initiatives aimed at ending this threat to innocent lives.”
Similarly, Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, the PDP 2023 governorship candidate in Lagos State, expressed shock over the news.
He demanded urgent action against insecurity.
Adediran, in a statement by his Spokesman, Gbenga Ogunleye, recounted that Aivoji and some other members of the party were kidnapped while on their way from a party function in Ibadan on Thursday.
He described the incident as unfortunate and a disturbing dimension to the growing insecurity in the country, especially in the south western part of the country.
According to him, the government must intensify efforts in the area of security to end putting the lives of the citizens in grave danger.
He said: “We demand urgent action from the security agencies to facilitate immediate release of the abducted party chairman.
“We also advise that the regional local security outfit, Amotekun, should collaborate with the police in this rescue mission.
Adediran prayed for divine intervention as he enjoined the party faithful not to despair but to keep praying for the speedy release of the kidnapped chairman and others.
The statements by the party and Adediran came amid reports that the abductors of Aivoji and other party leaders have demanded a N200 million ransom.
