The gunmen were said to have shot sporadically on Sunday when they invaded Kodjo Farms and whisked away five victims, including a 65-year-old man, Kakaja Joseph, a security guard.
It was gathered that the abductors stormed the farm at 8 a.m, took eggs and live chickens, besides their victims, in a speedboat.
Not satisfied with Sunday’s attack, the gunmen were said to have stormed the area yesterday in an attempt to kidnap children of Molajoye Community High School, but ended up whisking away two travellers.
The attacks occurred less than two weeks after the gunmen abducted 13 farmers from the area, including six foreigners.
It was gathered that the hoodlums blocked the road, while some of them went to the school to abduct the pupils, who were on assembly.
Security agents, including men of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Area “N” Police Command, Navy and Army, reportedly repelled the kidnap attempt.
The news of the invasion went viral on social media, with some messages saying most residents slept inside the bush out of fear.
A farmer said: “After kidnapping the poultry workers, the gunmen went to Molajoye Expressway and kidnapped two travellers. Some of the occupants of the bus sustained injuries.”
According to the son of the guard, Isaiah Joseph, the family has been making efforts to rescue his father.
He said: “Since our father was kidnapped, we’ve been running from pillar to post to rescue him. When he left home on Saturday, we expected him back on Sunday for the church service. We waited with our mother, but he didn’t show up. We decided to go to the farm to check on him.
“We were told by one of the engineers that he had been kidnapped alongside four workers.
“We’re still waiting for him to return. But our major concern is his health. He’s old. We don’t know how they are treating him. The management has assured they would secure his release.”
The victim’s in-law Isaac John said: “We’re anxious! We don’t know his condition. If not because of the economic situation in the country, the old man wouldn’t be doing that sort of job.”
Lamenting the spate of kidnapping in the farm settlement, a community leader, Chief Oguntayo Abiodun said: “We were still discussing the kidnap of the guard and poultry workers when we got news about the attempted abduction of Molajoye pupils. On Saturday, there was serious commotion in the community when the gunmen confronted men of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) in a gun battle.
“The sporadic shooting lasted about 29 minutes. We’re appealing to the state government and the police to provide regular patrol of the community. Some of the vigilantes cannot confront the gunmen because of the sophisticated weapons they carry. Some investors in the community have started relocating due to the incessant abduction of farmers and workers. Farmers these days fear to go to work.”
Operatives from Police Mobile Force 22 and RRS patrol vans were said to be all over the place yesterday.
But the Lagos State Police Command denied the report, insisting that nobody was abducted.
The command’s spokesperson Dolapo Badmos, a Superintendent of Police (SP), said those peddling the rumour should desist or they would be held responsible.
She said: “The command wishes to state that this publication is not only false and misleading but also a figment of the imagination of the writer. The Epe axis and other parts of Lagos State are safe. There is no invasion by militants or any other criminal elements of any part of Lagos.
“The command hereby advises anyone peddling this falsehood to desist or be made answerable to the law. Residents of Epe and Lagos should disregard this falsehood and carry on their lawful activities. The command has devised operational strategies to ensure the safety of life and property during this festive season.”
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