Staff of Lagos State Fire Service were pictured celebrating the release of the Director, Rasaki Musibau and six others on Wednesday.
The victims were kidnapped on April 6 along the Ikorodu-Epe Expressway while on their way to Lagos.
They were released at about 11:45pm inside the forest where the kidnappers kept them by a joint security force.
The kidnappers of the Lagos State Fire Service Acting Director Rasaki Musibau have demanded N3 million from his family, The Nation learnt on Tuesday.
Musibau and six others were abducted at Iwoye along the Epe-Itoikin road, Ikorodu, last Saturday.
The incident, it was gathered, occurred while the Fire Service chief and others were going to Epe.
The kidnappers blocked the Itoikin bridge, ambushed occupants of a Sienna, Corolla and a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) and took them away.
The Nation learnt that the abductors are also demanding N500,000 from the families of six other abductees.
Some neighbours told The Nation that the Fire Service chief’s family are planning to raise the money.
According to them, the response of the government has not been encouraging.
Musibau, who they said, is the chairman of the Landlord Association in the area, is due for retirement in two months.
A neighbour, who simply gave his name as Segun, said he heard from some leaders of the community that the kidnappers are demanding N3 million ransom.
He said the community may assist the family to raise the money if the government is not proactive.
“We are yet to see delegation from the office of the Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr Seye Oladejo. Although, it was learnt that the commissioner is not in the country, that does not stop the permanent secretary or any other top official from the ministry from visiting the family. We only saw the vehicle of the Fire Service the following day the incident occurred,” Segun said.
Corroborating Segun’s statement, another neighbour, Wale, said the commissioner for Special Duties ought to have returned to the country immediately the incident occurred.
“This is the normal practice across the world. Somebody in that calibre was kidnapped and the whole place is quiet as if it’s nothing big. I expect the government delegation to have visited the family and neighbours. Mr Musibau is a community leader in this area,” he said.
According to him, the kidnappers are asking the families of other people abducted to pay N500,000 each.
“I am not surprised they are demanding such amount. They have been in this business for a long time without security officers stopping their unlawful activity. Many families who have been victims don’t inform the police because they are afraid that the kidnappers may kill their loved ones. It is because of the personality of the fire fighters’ boss that led to police intervention,” Wale said.
Lagos State Government has urged Lagosians not to despair over the abduction of Musibau.
It said all hands are on deck to ensure he and others return safely.
Briefing reporters yesterday after the Security Council meeting chaired by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Police Commissioner Zubairu Muazu confirmed Musibau’s abduction with others, but said security agencies were working to rescue them.
Muazu, alongside heads of other security formations, expressed optimism of positive result, but declined to give details on the move to rescue the victims.
“I confirm that there was kidnapping involving the director of Fire Service. Security agencies are working towards the safe release of the victims. We are working to ensure their safe return,” the CP said.
On the fears being expressed over likely return of the spate of kidnapping, Muazu said security agencies were working to stop it, noting that there was nothing to worry about.
“This present case does not mean kidnapping has returned to Lagos. I see this as a very unfortunate incident and I assure Lagosians that security agencies are putting their heads together to ensure we stop this menace,” he said.
Muazu said the council reviewed the security situation since the last meeting was held, adding that the government, in partnership with security agencies, was working to ensure smooth transition of government to the incoming administration of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.
The kidnappers of the Lagos State Fire Service Acting Director Rasaki Musibau have contacted his family members, The Nation learnt on Monday.
Musibau and six others were abducted at Iwoye along the Epe-Itoikin road, Ikorodu.
The incident, it was gathered, occurred while the fire chief and others was going to Epe.
The Nation learnt that the kidnappers had blocked the Itoikin Bridge, ambushing occupants of a Sienna, Corolla and a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV).
Details of the abductors’ conversation with the Musibau’s family were not disclosed.
Contacted, Police spokesman Bala Elkana, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP) told The Nation that the police don’t negotiate ransom with kidnappers.
According to him, the Special Forces deployed by the Commissioner of Police (CP) Zubairu Muazu and the command’s Anti Kidnapping Unit are on the trail of the abductors.
“There was a contact established, but we do not negotiate ransom with kidnappers. The Special Forces deployed by CP Zubairu Muazu are still on the trail of the kidnappers and God’s willing, we are getting closer,” Elkana said.
The Nation learnt that there was a marathon prayer at the headquarters of the Lagos State Fire Service, Alausa for the release of the agency’s Acting Director.
The prayer, it was learnt, was replicated in all the 16 offices of the Fire Service in the state.
“We held a special prayer for the release of our Oga this morning. The prayers were also carried out in all our offices. We couldn’t do much work because everybody was in a sober mood. We can only pray for the kidnappers to release our Oga,” a worker said.
Meanwhile, Vice-Chairman of Ikosi-Ejirin Local Council Development Area, David Odunlami has denied that his Personal Assistant was among those kidnapped.
Speaking with The Nation last night, Odunlami said none of his two Personal Assistants was among those kidnapped.
“As I am speaking with you, my two Personal Assistants are not involved. None of them was at the scene of the incident. I do not have any relative or anyone working in the council among those kidnapped.
“However, we are hoping that the kidnappers will release those abducted. It is disturbing and worrisome,” he said.
According to the police, those abducted include Rasaki Musibau, Mufutau Adams, Funmilayo Adelumo, Asiogu Martha, Lasisi Muka and two others.
Vehicles recovered from the scene include Toyota Sienna, Toyota Corolla and Opel Jeep.
Kidnappers on Saturday night abducted the Lagos State Fire Service Acting Director Rasaki Musibau and six others at Ejirin, along the Epe-Itoikin road, Ikorodu.
Among those kidnapped is the personal assistant to the vice chairman of Ikosi-Ejirin Local Council Development Area.
The incident, it was gathered, occurred while the fire chief and others were returning to Lagos from Epe.
The Nation learnt that the kidnappers had blocked the Itoikin bridge, ambushing occupants of a Sienna, Corolla and a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV).
A resident, who simply gave his name as Segun, who called to notify The Nation about the incident around 3pm, said the fire service chief and other people were ordered to alight from their vehicles and were whisked away.
He said the incident occurred in the evening.
“They (the kidnappers) didn’t take anything from the vehicles. The Fire Service acting director’s vehicle was there with his phone. We saw three vehicles at the spot. We were told that the kidnappers were just stopping vehicles on the road at Ejirin and after occupants of the three vehicles were taken, they hurriedly left the scene,” he said.
He doubted if the kidnappers knew Musibau before abducting him.
“They could have ransacked his vehicle and taken his phones away if they knew he is the Fire Service acting director,” he said.
Another resident said the abducted personal assistant to the vice chairman of Ikosi-Ejirin Local Council Development Area drove his boss’ vehicle.
“The kidnappers might have thought it was the council’s vice chairman, unknown to them that the person driving the vehicle is the chairman’s aide. I think the man took his boss’ vehicle to a party. He was returning to Ejirin before he was abducted,” he said.
According to him, the kidnappers left two children of some of the women abducted on the scene of the incident.
Some residents alleged that occupants of an interstate bus were also kidnapped after the vehicle dropped off some passengers along the road and bystanders, pretending to be waiting for a bus to Lagos, entered.
A resident, who spoke to The Nation, said the interstate bus had stopped to drop off a passenger at Ejirin, adding that some other persons standing on the road joined the vehicle en route to Lagos.
“It happened on Saturday evening. It was around 7pm. It was one of these instate buses that ply that route. The bus stopped to drop off passengers and some people entered.
“But unknown to the driver and passengers, those who entered the bus were kidnappers and they took them to an unknown destination.
“It was a separate incident from that of the fire service director. The man and some others were coming from Epe to Lagos when the kidnappers ambushed them and took them away. This area is gradually turning to something else.
“We are worried because we know how bad it was then when farmers and their employees were being kidnapped daily. These boys are gradually starting again.
“We are calling on the authorities to act fast before it is too late,” said the source.
But the police denied that any commercial bus was involved, saying the total number of those affected were seven occupants of a Toyota Sienna, Corolla and an Opel SUV.
Saturday’s kidnap has sent shivers down the spines of residents of the axis who have for some time experienced respite from incessant kidnappings and armed banditry.
Prior to the latest incident, it was gathered that the Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairman, Samson Ajijedidun, was kidnapped by the criminals on March 1 and only released after a ransom was paid.
Some workers and senior staff of the Fire Service were yesterday seen at the Alausa fire service office.
The Nation learnt that their convergence may not be unconnected with the kidnap of their boss.
None of them was ready to speak with reporters or anybody that does not belong to the service.
They were seen discussing the incident in hushed tones.
Contacted, Fire Service Chief Public Affairs Officer Bola Ajao’s phone was switched off.
Messages sent to her phone were not answered.
Police spokesman Bala Elkana, a Deputy Superintendent (DSP), said seven persons, including the fire service boss, were kidnapped from three vehicles around 8pm on Saturday.
Elkana said: “They are seven persons, not nine. They were not in a bus. We are just coming from the scene now. The Commissioner of Police, Zubairu Muazu, visited the scene. They were in three vehicles, Toyota Sienna, Toyota Corolla and Opel SUV. We searched and saw some items belonging to the victims, one of them is the Lagos Fire Service director.
“Investigation has begun into this incident. The CP has also deployed Special Forces and tasked the Command’s Anti kidnapping Unit to ensure that they rescue the seven persons abducted by some hoodlums suspected to be kidnappers at about 8pm along Iwoye bridge, Itokin-Epe road, Ikorodu.
“The CP in the company of Tactical Units Commanders visited the crime scene in the early hours of today (yesterday) and assured the family of the victims that the command is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that the victims are rescued unhurt.
“Those abducted include Rasaki Musibau, Mufutau Adams, Funmilayo Adelumo, Asiogu Martha, Lasisi Muka and two others. Vehicles recovered from the scene include Toyota Sienna, Toyota Corolla and Opel SUV.
“The command assures Lagosians of their safety at all times, as it has intensified patrols and surveillance along Itokin-Epe road, Ketu, Eredo and other major highways in the state.”
No fewer than 44 passengers escaped unhurt on Monday as a red high capacity bus marked GBE 257 XA caught fire on Otedola Bridge in Lagos.
The cause of the fire that occurred around 11:22am, could not be ascertained.
Though, some of the passengers said the fire started when the driver was joining wire to re-start the bus after stopping for some passengers to alight.
Another passenger attributed the cause to over-heating.
The bus, loaded with passengers, it was learnt, was heading to Ketu from Ibafo.
The driver could not be reached for comment because he fled immediately the fire commenced.
A passenger, Segun Ola said he managed to move the bus to the side of the road before he took off.
“Immediately the fire started, the driver, having noticed the outbreak, cleared off the road while the passengers rushed out and ran for their lives,” Ola said.
The Ilupeju fire station arrived at the Otedola Bridge and later joined by the Alausa fire station to avert casualties and prevent loss of lives in the raging inferno.
The incident was put under control by the joint efforts of the two stations.
Lagos State Fire Service Acting Director Rasaki Musibau said the absence of fire extinguishers made the bus burnt completely.
He lamented that despite the sensitisation to motorists to always equip their vehicles with basic firefighting tools as first aid in time of fire outbreak, most motorists refused to comply.
The presence of the firemen, he said, prevented the fire from spreading to other vehicles on the high way.
He advised motorists to avoid joining wires to ignite their vehicles as this can cause fire outbreak and loss of valuable properties.
He urged all motorists to equip their vehicles with basic firefighting equipment.
What could have turned out to a major disaster in Magboro, Ogun State along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway was on Thursday averted by the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) with salvaging of a 50,000 litres of truck conveying Premium Motor Spirit otherwise known as petrol from catching fire.
The incident occurred during early morning rain when a truck with registration number – Lagos MK88US belonging to MRS skidded off the road and fell on its side into the ditch spilling its content into the area.
Hundreds of residents of the area had thronged the scene struggling to scoop fuel before they were dispersed with the arrival of the emergency responders and security operatives from Lagos State.
Speaking at the scene of the incident, General Manager of LASEMA, Mr. Adesina Tiamiyu said that the Agency received the distress call at about 9.00am on Thursday through the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
He said LASEMA swiftly intervened and responded by mobilizing all the required personnel and resources to the scene.
According to him, although the scene of the incident falls outside the jurisdiction of its operation but Governor Akinwunmi Ambode gave express approval for the Agency’s intervention with the use of its heavy-duty equipment and crane.
The LASEMA boss said the Agency responded promptly with other emergency responders from the Lagos State Fire Service, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Ogun State Fire Service, Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and the FRSC, while the truck was carefully lifted up by the Agency’s Crane.
He said the Lagos Fire Service also carried out blanket of the truck with chemicals to avoid fire outbreak.
The RRS, according to him, helped to chase people scooping fuel around the area to avoid any fire outbreak, while LASEMA sensitized the people on the danger of storage of fuel.
The General Manager, however, advised motorist especially articulated truck drivers to avoid over speeding and always adhere to traffic rules and regulations to avoid unnecessary loss of lives and properties on the roads.
Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc, today experienced a minor fire incident which affected a section of the storage facility.
According to a release signed by the Head, Corporate Affairs/General Service, Mr. Okey Nwaka, the fire started at about 3am in the early hours of today at a section of their storage facility. Nwaka further stated that no life was lost, because of the quick response and combined effort of the Lagos State Fire Service, Alausa, and Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).
He therefore applauded the rapid intervention of the Fire Service Officers, LASEMA and men of the Nigerian Police who were on ground to provide additional surveillance.
The Lagos State Fire Service said a six-year-old girl was burnt to death in a church in the early hours of Saturday in Egbeda area of the state.
The Director of the service, Mr. Rasak Fadipe, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the incident occurred at about 2:00am at Faith Revival Church.
Fadipe said the inferno affected the church boys’ quarters while a vigil was going on at the main auditorium.
“We met the fire raging when we arrived. It was after the fire was put out that we discovered the little girl’s burnt body in one of the rooms.
“The church authority was yet to ascertain the cause of the fire. We finally put out the fire at about 5:00am,” he said.
A tanker driver on Friday sustained injuries after his 33,000 litres Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) laden tanker upturned in Lagos.
The incident which occurred at Abraham Adesanya roundabout in Ajah at about 4am was the third in the state this week.
It was gathered that the accident was caused by over speeding and recklessness on the part of the driver who was coming from Eleko.
The Nation gathered that the tanker marked LND650XQ fell and spilled its content on the road.
Firemen from the Lagos State Fire Service as well as emergency workers from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) were said to have condoned off the area initially and blanketing the fuel to prevent fire outbreak, while vehicles were diverted to other routes by officials of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and Lekki Concession Company (LCC).
Confirming the incident, LASEMA’s General Manager, Michael Akindele said no life was lost.
He said: “The agency received the distress call at about 4:56am and activated its emergency response team promptly to the scene. The driver of the truck sustained injuries and was treated by LASAMBUS. No mortality recorded.
“Transloading and rescue operations ongoing. Drivers are advised to desist from over speeding and recklessness, especially the rush to load and offload products because of its availability.”
THE Lagos State Fire Service said yesterday that it responded to over 1500 emergency cases this year.
This figure, according to the agency’s director, Rasaq Fadipe, is lower than about 2,500 cases recorded last year, noting that the late arrival of the hammattan wind might have contributed to the low figure recorded this year.
In an interview with The Nation, Fadipe said 1,499 emergency cases were recorded from January to November, with 133 others occurring between December 1 to 21.
He added that the fire service attended to 23 cases during the Christmas holiday, attributing most of the incidents to carelessness and electrical surges.
The fire service boss also said plans were underway to curb the activities of fake fire extinguisher manufacturers and sellers, warning the perpetrators to desist or face sanctions.
He decried the situation whereby some people have sacrificed the safety of lives and properties on the altar of money, noting that the state could no longer condone the activities of fake fire extinguisher manufacturers.
According to Fadipe, there will be harmonisation of the manufacturers of fire-fighting equipment to make it difficult for those producing fake ones.
“Everyday, we respond to an average of three to four emergencies. Looking back into the year, I will give you figure from January to November 1499.
“Although December has not ended, I can tell you that from December 1 to 21, we effectively responded to 133 cases. For the four days that the Federal Government declared holiday (Thursday, December 25 to Sunday, 28), we responded to 23 emergency cases, including a guy who died in a swimming pool on Christmas day.
“If you look at that, it is on the high side. It shows that the fire service is living up to its responsibilities. It is important for us to understand that emergency will not happen, if we are not careless.
“Human error contributed majorly to most of the outbreaks we witnessed this year. But we will continue to enlighten and lecture our people on what to do to avert outbreak of fire or actions to take when fire breaks,” he said
Fadipe said the agency would continue its aggressive public enlightenment and consolidate on its achievements.
His words: “We have discovered that sometimes, when there is fire outbreak and people apply the equipment, some of these equipments fail to work.
“What we deduced from there was that there are lots of fake fire-fighting products outside. I do not know why people do such things. If you want to make money, engage in other ventures; not safety issues, because you will be putting the lives of others at risk.
“We will go all out even if it means enacting a law that will see to an end of this evil; we will do it.”
He stated that the agency witnessed several attacks of its workers and vandalisation of equipment by mob in the course of carrying out its responsibilities within the year.
Using the University of Lagos (UNILAG) instance, where angry students vandalised the Ilupeju fire truck when it answered a fire outbreak call, Fadipe urged Lagosians to desist from actions that could incapacitate the agency.
He said: ‘The attitude of attacking firemen or equipment is bad. Our people most desist from such behaviours. We had instances, where our men were wounded. What normally results to this attack are late calls to fire service.
‘When there is an emergency, people do not place calls early. Rather, they spend time trying to salvage their personal effects. And as they are doing that, the fire keeps burning and before you know it, it would have spread.
“So, when the fire service eventually gets the information and comes, bystanders will attack us, saying that we came late.
“I am just saying this for our people to know that these vehicles they are damaging do not belong to the governor, fire service or an individual.
‘It belongs to the people and are there to safe the lives of every citizen in the course of emergency. So, when you damage the vehicles, you are stopping it from being on the road and by so doing, cheating other people who would have benefitted from its services.
‘For instance, when the students damaged the Ilupeju vehicle, it could not be used for operation. Around that time, there was outbreak at Okobaba in Ebute-Meta. I had to draft the Isolo and Alausa to go there. If the fire truck at Ilupeju was functional, it would have been the first responder for that incident.
“A lot of things retard our response to emergency. Fire outbreaks usually occur at night and most times, the areas of outbreak are inaccessible because of street gates.
“Most of the streets are under lock and key, once its 12am. No matter how we horn, the security men will not respond since they are acting under instruction not to open the gate once it is past 12 midnight.
“Some of them also do not understand what an emergency vehicle is and since they have not seen fire flames in the street, they may not even understand what we are talking about. So, most times, we spend appreciable time trying to break barriers to accessing scene of fire.
“Another instance was a fire outbreak that happened in Oshodi, where three kids were locked in the house by their parents, who went out. Fire broke out and there was no one around.