CITIZENS COMPASS– After a few days in kidnappers’ den, both residents of Igbe-Laara, a boundary between Igbogbo-Baiyeku and Ijede Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Ikorodu Division, Lagos State, have regained their freedom.
Both were released on Monday.
The Lagos State Police Command disclosed this in its updates.
Citizens Compass reported that two residents of Igbe-Laara; male and female were kidnapped last Thursday.
Citizens Compass reported how kidnappers have turned various communities near Ikorodu creeks into a haven.
Recall that the recent incident occurred last Thursday, at Bond Estate, Ijede where a female resident was kidnapped in place of her husband who was not at home at the time of the incident.
Citizens Compass reported that the kidnappers on their way to the creeks ran into a private car with three occupants who were chased out of the car and the car owner, a real estate businessman, was matched into the forest alongside the woman.
This occurred barely two months ago when kidnappers forcefully gained entry into two buildings and kidnapped a landlord alongside his female neighbour.
The incidents have thrown residents into fear leading to mass relocation from the area.
Though the kidnappers were said to have demanded N10m from the affected families, it could not be ascertained if ransom was paid.
Arrest
Spokesperson for the Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, in a recent statement said no arrest has been made.
“The Lagos State Police Command wishes to inform the public of the successful release of two residents of Ijede creek side who were abducted in a settlement by ijede creek side Ikorodu area of Lagos State about two days ago. Their safety was the priority in the execution of the operations leading to them being released unhurt.
“At approximately 2200hrs on the said date, a distress report was received at Ijede Division indicating gunshots in the vicinity of Igbe Creek Side settlement. Acting swiftly, combined teams of more than fifteen police tactical squads, detectives, conventional policemen, local vigilantes, hunters and the locals were immediately mobilized to the scene. It was confirmed that the two victims, both residents by Ijede Creek, whose houses are inside the creek had been attacked and abducted by unidentified hoodlums who fled via the creek and adjoining forest.
“On the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, a robust and elaborate rescue operation was launched. Fifteen Police tactical teams, detectives squads and police rescue and intervention squads, alongside local vigilantes, hunters, and the locals were strategically deployed through different directions to block all entry and exit points to the surrounding creek and forest, combing the area and exerting significant pressure on the kidnappers. This coordinated rescue operation led to the successful release of the victims at about 2200hrs on Sunday Monday, May 25, 2025.
“The released victims have been reunited with their families. Meanwhile, all police tactical teams, squads and other detectives in collaboration with the vigilantes, hunters and locals mentioned earlier in paragraph 2 above are currently combing the creek and the adjoining forest to apprehend the kidnappers to prevent further attacks on the i
Ijede creek residents and bring them to justice.
“The Lagos State Police Command commends the bravery of its officers and cooperation of the local vigilantes, hunters, and community members whose swift response was instrumental to the success of the operations despite the difficulties encountered in accessing the area, which by all standards pose a danger to security and safety of the residents living inside this creek and forest in the affected areas. “The Command further reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents of Lagos State.
“The members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and security conscious at all times most especially the residents residing inside the ijede creek and other difficult terrains in the forest around the area. They should report any suspicious activities to the Police Division or Police tactical squads deployed for their safety in the area or the nearest police station or via the Command’s emergency lines: 08063299264 or 08065154338.”
About Igbe-Laara
Citizens Compass reported that Igbe-Laara is a border town surrounded by swamp between Ijede Local Council Development Area (LCDA) and Igbogbo-Baiyeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
The swamp stretches through various Community Development Associations (CDAs) and links the lagoon to the Ajah area of the State.
Citizens Compass reported that the major kidnappings in the area were first noticed in Year 2023 and since then, the axis is far becoming a haven for criminal activities as quite a number of residents have been kidnapped either along the road or in their homes.
The kidnappers have deployed various means to get their prey; they may pose as security agents and take position on major roads or break into homes to perpetrate their evil.
Community efforts
For the past two years, nearby CDAs have taxed themselves to clear surrounding bushes but little could they do as this is capital intensive.
Not only this, they have employed the services of local security but this is more of an Herculean task and a financial burden.
Underfunded Joint Taskforce (JTF)
Some years back, the Council Chairman of Igbogbo-Baiyeku LCDA, Olusesan Daini popularly known as Builder Sesan Daini, in his wisdom, volunteered to augment the wages of 50 members of the Joint Taskforce (JTF), a local security in Ikorodu founded to checkmate cultism activities in the area.
A survivour of one of incident who pleaded anonymity told Citizens Compass that the kidnappers said they were on standby to relaunch attacks.
He said he may put up his residence for sale to relocate to a safer place.
Meanwhile, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olorundare Moshood Jimoh, has do far commended all Police personnel, vigilantes and local hunters involved in the rescue operations.
