5th October, 2015
Cyriacus Izuekwe
The collection of N100m ransom and demand for an extra N120m by kidnappers of a business mogul, Chief James Uduji, has thrown into panic residents of Festac Town in Lagos State, western Nigeria.
Investigations revealed that some of the residents have relocated elsewhere with their families in Lagos State.
P.M.NEWS gathered that some families have left their homes quietly due to incessant kidnappings and armed robbery attacks in the hitherto highbrow area now gradually sliding into a slum due to decaying infrastructure and high crime rate.
According to residents who pleaded that their names should not be mentioned, some of them decided to relocate from the area following reports that Uduji’s abductors insisted that his family must pay them one million dollars or they would kill him. The equivalent of their demand is about N220m.
It was reported that the family raised N100m which they collected and still demanded N120m balance.
P.M.NEWS gathered that the residents expressed concern over the lax security in the area which had made them vulnerable to kidnapping and robbery attacks.
They said that what befell Uduji and many other victims might extend to them and if they could not afford such money they might end up being killed by kidnappers.
Uduji, the chairman of Comestar company that produces cable was abducted at gun point near his residence at 7th Avenue, Festac. For over three weeks now, he has been in captivity. This forced members of his family to negotiate with the kidnappers for his release.
After the payment of N100m, the abductors reportedly agreed to exchange Uduji with any member of his family for him to go and raise the balance of N120m.
The victim’s brother, Sir Uche Uduji, had admitted that the family was negotiating with the abductors.
He refused to disclose their offer and said they were still negotiating and praying that God would touch the hearts of the abductors.
The Lagos State Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Joe Offor, comfirmed the kidnapping of Uduji and said the police have since commenced investigation into the matter.