In an operation that could be deem ‘daring’, rescuers freed more than 50 people, among them children hailing from nearby African countries, from a duplex along Omola Road in the bustling Edemola district of Epe, Lagos, yesterday.
Reports circulating throughout Epe and across Lagos State indicate that the rescued individuals, who are foreigners, were abducted and held captive in the kidnappers’ hideout until ransom demands could be met for their freedom.
Contrary to earlier speculation, the police have stated that the rescued individuals were not victims of kidnapping. Instead, investigations at the Okeoyibo Police Division, where they were taken, indicate that they hail from Cameroon and Gabon.
As per police findings, the rescued individuals were duped by Cameroonian ring leaders who were fleeing. These criminals, operating a job scam, misled them with false assurances of employment prospects in Nigeria.
As per gathered details, it has been revealed that the victims had handed over an unspecified amount of money to the fraudsters.
Shockingly, some of them disclosed to law enforcement officials that they had resorted to selling their precious possessions, such as homes, in their native countries, to raise funds for the journey to Nigeria in hopes of securing the promised jobs.
On arrival, they were reportedly kept in the duplex with a stern warning not to step outside, until they got the promised jobs.
Some of them were discovered to have been in the building for six months.
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A trader, who simply identified herself as Iya Modunat, told Sunday Vanguard: “ A resident of the area alerted the traditional ruler of the community of unusual movements in the building at odd hours. Nobody knew any of the occupants, or what they did, they didn’t interact with people.
“Thereafter, the authorities including members of the vigilante group were invited here today( yesterday). About 70 of them were brought out of the building, with their luggage.”
They were all foreigners. Among them were 20 children”.
When contacted, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hudenyin, said the main suspect had fled to Cameroon.
He, however, said 34 persons were rescued.
He clarified: “They are not kidnapped victims, they were deceived by some Cameroonians that there were jobs in Nigeria, only to be stranded because they have expended all their money. All of them have been taken to the police station.
It was reported that the ring leader is on the run. It was mentioned that he had given all of them the same arrival date.
Upon their arrival, it was said that he collected their money from them and instructed them to stay in that room. He then left with a promise to return, but ultimately abandoned them and went back to Cameroon.