Kidnappers, yesterday engaged themselves in a fierce shoot-out over ransom sharing formula at Igbodu community in Epe area of Lagos State.
The kidnappers we’re said to have stormed a farm settlement in the community to abduct more victims.
It was gathered that the faction that was overpowered stormed the farm settlement to abduct some of the workers and supplement their share of the ransom.
However, they ran into policemen and a gun battle started.
Although an unconfirmed report had it that the gunmen succeeded in abducting five farm workers, but the Lagos State Police Command, in a swift response, said the attempt was foiled.
A resident, Abdulrasaq, said: “Trouble started today (yesterday) after the kidnappers fought over money. We heard that they argued among themselves over an undisclosed amount they withdrew from an ATM with the card of one of their victims.
“Fight broke out after some of them, who felt cheated, engaged the other party in a fight and one of them was shot dead.
“While they were mourning, five of them stormed a farm, hoping to abduct another set of victims. But they met policemen.
“They riddled police patrol van with bullets. A reinforcement on the part of the police forced the kidnappers to flee.”
The community’s traditional ruler, Mr. Michael Shodipo said: “There is commotion in the community. Everybody is running for safety.”
Publicity Secretary, Gani Adams-led Oodua People’s Congress, OPC, Yinka Oguntimehin, said: “We are taking no more chances. I think our tolerance has been mistaken for cowardice. It is time to act!”
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, confirmed the ongoing battle between police and kidnappers.
