A former Majority Leader of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Moruf Musa, was on Tuesday evening abducted by gunmen in Ibiade, Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.
Musa, who served in the Assembly between 2007 and 2011, was reportedly seized around 7 pm while observing Muslim prayers inside a mosque located within his residence.
Confirming the incident to Punch on Wednesday, Chairman of Ogun Waterside LGA, Ganiyu Odunoiki, said the abduction took place during evening prayer. He added that the attackers fired gunshots along the road as they fled the scene.
“The report is true, the former lawmaker was abducted on Tuesday evening. The gunmen also reportedly shot some people on the road,” Odunoiki said.
“We are now combing the surrounding bushes together with some police officers, though, we are still expecting the anti-kidnapping unit, who are already on their way to join us in the search. The Area Commander for the Nigeria Police from Ogbere is here as well,” he added.
The Ogun State Police Command confirmed the abduction, saying efforts were underway to ensure the victim’s safe return.
“The Ogun State Police Command is aware of the reported abduction of Hon. Musa Moruf in Ibiade, Ogun Waterside Local Government Area.
“Security measures have been activated, including the deployment of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and the public is advised to remain calm pending official updates,” the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said.
A resident of the community told Punch that Musa struggled with his abductors for over 20 minutes before being overpowered. The gunmen reportedly fired sporadically into the air to disperse onlookers before escaping with their victim.
