Gunmen have a list of rich landlords – Estate residents

New Haven Estate

Residents of New Haven Estate, Igbelaju, in the Iba area of Lagos State, say the gunmen, who abducted three landlords in the estate, have a list of rich landlords they are targeting for abduction.

A landlord in the estate, who had fled the area, told our correspondent on Thursday that the attackers abducted a commercial motorcyclist plying the estate on Friday and forced him  to give them the names of wealthy landlords in the estate.

 there was tension in the estate after the gunmen, who came in military uniform, abducted three landlords, said our reporter"

It had been reported that the gunmen attacked the estate on Saturday and Monday, abducting three landlords.

A woman, identified only as Mrs. Nwoche, was reportedly abducted from her residence on Saturday, while the two others were picked on Monday at about 11am, while going to their workplaces.

The matter was said to have been reported at the Ojo Police Division, which was combing the area in company with men of the Rapid Response Squad.

Speaking with our representatives, the landlord, who begged that his name should not be mentioned, said he fled the estate because he was told that his name was on the list with the abductors.

He said, “I cannot come to the estate. I left with my family members about two weeks ago. The abductors had come to the estate and abducted a commercial motorcyclist, Chima. They ordered him to give them a list of rich landlords in the estate, which he did.

“It is that list that the kidnappers are using now. I learnt my name is included and that is why I fled the area, but I get updates everyday from my neighbours there.”

Another resident, identified only as Stanley, said several houses in the area had been abandoned due to fear of the kidnappers.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, said investigation was ongoing into the matter.