•Police unsure of number of victims
The three Isheri landlords kidnapped last Saturday by hooded gunmen are being tortured, The Nation learnt yesterday.
Kenedy Ucheagw, Dr. Omololu Bello and Mr. Fidelis Esang were whisked away during their routine exercise by gunmen clad in military camouflages.
It was gathered that the kidnappers, who contacted friends and family members on Sunday morning and demanded N300 million, first called one Mr. Dickson Agonyi.
The Nation gathered that the abductors who have called three more times between Sunday and Monday morning, allowed the victims to speak with their families.
It was in the course of discussions with their wives that the hostages disclosed they were being tortured, a source said. According to the source, the kidnappers used their own number to call and demand ransom, adding that they have refused to shift grounds.
He said: “We have been negotiating with them. We are also expecting their call. We have told them we do not have that amount if money they are demanding. We started negotiating from N20,000 per person and got to N50,000 but they have not shifted grounds.
“They told their wives they were being tortured, that the kidnappers were beating them. Their wives even heard them screaming on phone. They also said that the kidnappers read the stories on their abduction and were calling their names for identification. People have been asked to not talk to journalists or anyone. The estate association is trying to harmonise information to avoid conflicting stories.
“Also, we have been warned to avoid talking so that we don’t cause more problems for the victims and their families. But, I think the kidnappers are being unrealistic. Where do they expect people to get that kind of money?
“I heard they called all of them with the same number. They have called at least three times and it was with the same number. I hope the police can track the number and locate them in their hiding place.
“I also think police should increase surveillance and monitor movements. I want to believe that someone will be going in and out of that forest to buy food or other basic things. They should ensure that armed policemen, soldiers are stationed in all entry, exit points that lead to that creek, that way, things will be easier.”
It was learnt that the estate executives were planning to hold a press conference, but the date and time were yet unknown.
When our Correspondent visited the estate on Monday, the streets were deserted.
At the residences of the three landlords, our Correspondent was told that their family members were not around and left instructions that no one should divulge information.
Dr. Bello’s domestic help was seen and she refused to call the victim’s wife, nor avail her number, asking the reporter to come back anytime from 6pm.
Similarly, a young woman, who was seen at the residence of Ucheagwu, said she would not attend to the reporter unless she came back by 9am today.
At the home of Esang, about five men who stood outside the unpainted storey-building, wearing sad looks, told our Correspondent that his wife was unavailable.
Contacted, the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Zone II, Abdulmajid Ali said the police were following a close lead.
He stated that the police were also unsure of the exact number of hostages taken by the kidnappers, adding that they heard Coach Ola escaped.
He said: “We do not know if it’s three or four hostages. We also heard that the trainer escaped and we do not know if it’s true. We are trailing the kidnappers closely and I can assure you that we will get them. I cannot say if the hostages are being tortured since I am not there with them and have not spoken to any of their relatives. I also do not know about ransom.”