How Anisulowo was kidnapped –Driver

Driver of kidnapped former minister of state for education, Senator Iyabo Anisulowo, Wasiu Afonja, yesterday, recounted how the abductors of the female politician took her away at gunpoint.
The driver narrated his experience just as Governor Ibikunle Amosun led heads of the various security agencies in the state in search of Anisulowo in the bushes traversing four towns in Yewa North Local Government area, including Igbogila, Sawonjo, Igan Okoto and Imasai.
Narrating his experience to Amosun, who was also on an assessment tour of the former minister’s farm in Sawonjo, in Yewa North, in company with the heads of other security agencies, Anisulowo’s driver, Afonja said the kidnappers were four and were armed with guns, swords and other dangerous weapons.
He said they laid ambush about a kilometre away from the farm.
Afonja said as soon as they got to the point where the former minister was kidnapped, her abductors emerged from the bush and attacked the vehicle as well as all its occupants in a commando-like manner.
Afonja added that the kidnappers pulled him and two other occupants out of the car, beat them and seized their phones before they drove away with Anisulowo still in the sport utility vehicle (SUV).
He, however, disclosed that the kidnappers later abandoned Anisulowo’s SUV at Iganokoto.
“The men spoke both English and Yoruba languages. Mama kept asking them what they wanted but they didn’t answer. It was around evening we discovered the abandoned SUV around Iganokoto.”
The victim’s husband, Mr. Aderemi Anisulowo condemned the incident, expressing satisfaction at “the timely response” of the state government over the incident.
Also narrating his ordeal, an orderly attached to Anisulowo by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Damola Akinwande said during the attack and kidnap of the former minister, her abductors prevented other people travelling with her in the SUV from seeing their faces.
Akinwande said other occupants of the car, including himself, were beaten with machetes by the kidnappers who kept on barking orders while the ordeal lasted.
But Amosun, who led heads of the various security agencies in the state, including the state Commissioner of Police, Abdulmajid Alli, the state Director of the State Security Services and the Commandant, 35 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Abeokuta on a search warned that the state could not be a safe haven for kidnappers.
The governor told newsmen that efforts were being made to secure her release.
Amosun also said security officials have already been detailed to ensure a speedy rescue of the victim.
“Ogun State is safe and secure, notwithstanding what has happened. And, I can assure you that everybody is involved in the rescue operation – the army, police, DSS, paramilitary agencies and the local vigilante. Farmers, hunters, everybody have been involved since last night when it happened.
“Government is already interfacing with security officials and I can assure you that everyone here is involved including local farmers, hunters and vigilante service.
“We will rescue her alive and bring her back safely and I believe that in a matter of hours, we will have cause to thank God over this incident.” the governor said.
However, Commander of the Vigilante Service in the area, Mr. Oluyemi Zachaeus said there were intelligence reports from neighbouring community of Obalado that the abducted politician was spotted being covered in hood and taken on a motorcycle by her suspected kidnappers.
Oluyemi, however, said the kidnappers were still within the community, assuring that the victim would be rescued and the kidnappers arrested.
Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 2 comprising Lagos and Ogun Commands, Bala Hassan described the development as unfortunate.
posted By Oscar Jonathan