Ondo commissioner’s wife, perm sec’s wife kidnapped -As LP, PDP supporters clash
Yinka Oladoyinbo, Akure
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
INCIDENCE of kidnapping in the Niger Delta region of the country has spread to Ondo State as unknown gunmen have abducted the wife of the state Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mrs. Iyabo Basaru, and the wife of a newly appointed permanent secretary in the state, Mrs. Sola Alli.


http://odili.net/news/source/2009/jun/16/612.html


The duo were said to have been kidnapped by six armed men on Sunday evening in the house of Basaru, located around Ajipowo area of Akure, the state capital.

Nigerian Tribune learnt that the two women were taken away in the presence of the commissioner, Alhaji Sikiru Basaru, who watched helplessly as the vehicle conveying them drove away.

Sources stated that Mrs. Basaru, who was sick, had gone to the hospital belonging to the Alli for medical treatment. She was returning home, accompanied by Mrs. Alli, a friend of hers, when the kidnappers laid ambush for them, who had followed them to the house.

The kidnappers were said to have followed the vehicle conveying the duo into the compound before they were ordered into the kidnappers’ vehicle at gunpoint.

It was also gathered that the commissioner attempted to inquire what was going on when he was alerted by the gakekeeper but the kidnappers threatened to shoot him.

Sources said the kidnappers had already demanded for a N20 million ransom for the women. However, the state government in its reaction said it was not ready to negotiate with kidnappers as their action was illegal.

The Commissioner for Information, Mr. Ranti Akerele, told newsmen in Akure, on Monday, that efforts were on to ensure the release of the women but ruled out payment of ransom.

He said Governor Olusegun Mimiko had already met with heads of security agencies in the state to ensure the security of life and property of the people.

The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State command, Mr. Charles Dawodu, while confirming the development, said the command was on red alert over the issue.

He said although the police did not suspect anybody or group of people, the command would deploy men and materials at its disposal to ensure the release of the victims.

However, the commissioner, who was said to be a devoted Muslim, had already sought the services of a Muslim clergy to pray for the safety of his wife and her friend.

Meanwhile, crisis looms in Iju, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, as supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and those of the Labour Party (LP) clashed on Monday, leaving vehicles and about 50 houses vandalised.

The situation has made a former commissioner for finance and planning in the state, Chief Tayo Alasoadura and his supporters to flee the town, following the alleged attack on them.

Narrating his ordeal to newsmen in Akure, on Monday, the former commissioner said the incident happened when the party was preparing for its ward meeting in the town.

He said his car, with those of two of the party chieftains, was about 100 metres away from the venue of the meeting, when a supporter of LP allegedly rode a motorcycle in a “commando style” and attacked the convoy.

He said within two minutes, they were surrounded by people suspected to be members of the LP who started beating the occupants of the vehicles.

“The people attacked us and accused me of telling the people of the state how much former Governor Olusegun Agagu left in the accounts of the state as of February 23, when our administration wound down. They beat us and poured sand on us.

“When we escaped from the scene, they now decided to move to the houses of PDP members in Iju, beating them and vandalising their houses. They also attacked the houses of traditional chiefs who have sympathy for the PDP; they broke the windscreens of our vehicles and vandalised about 50 houses,” he said.

Alasoadura alleged that he was specifically targeted because of the decision of the PDP to tell the people of the state that Agagu left N38.6 billion in the accounts of the state government.

But the LP in the state had refuted the allegation, saying that it was not responsible for the attack on Alasoadura.

The acting publicity secretary of the party, Mr. Akin Akinbobola, alleged that it was Alasoadura who led some members of his party to destroy the palace in Iju, following which the people of the town resisted them.

He added that the LP was known for peace and would not be involved in any activity that could lead to a breakdown of law and order in the state.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Adeniran Aremu, who confirmed the incident, said there was a clash between members of the LP and the PDP.

He, however, said the state command had already waded into the matter to maintain law and order, adding that no arrest had been made in connection with the crisis.

When will they kidnap iyabo obasanjo and babangida?