A hairstylist, Elizabeth Arowojolu, has shared her harrowing experience of being kidnapped by gunmen along the Benin-Ore Expressway in Nigeria. Arowojolu was traveling from Benin to Lagos to visit a friend on September 13 when the incident occurred. She boarded a bus at Ogheghe on the Sapele Bypass Road in Benin City and was on her way to Lagos when the kidnappers struck.
According to Arowojolu, the kidnappers blocked the bus with a car and a trailer, and then demanded that the driver open the door. The driver, fearing for his life, eventually gave in and the kidnappers entered the bus, beating everyone and ordering them to come down. Arowojolu described the kidnappers as armed with guns and a cutlass, with some of them wearing face masks.
Arowojolu stated that there were about 16 people kidnapped, including herself, and that they were led into the bush by the kidnappers. She claimed that the journey into the bush lasted more than two hours, during which time the kidnappers ordered them to run and then sit down in a circle with their hands behind their heads.
Arowojolu revealed that one of the kidnappers began giving signals that they should be prepared to run, using gestures and mouth movements to communicate. When two of the kidnappers stepped away, Arowojolu and three other captives, including the man who had been signaling, took the opportunity to escape.
Arowojolu described the escape as chaotic, with the kidnappers shooting into the air and threatening to kill them if they did not stop. She stated that she ran with the three men until around 6 am, when they were exhausted and decided to rest. They eventually found their way to a farm area and came across people who assisted them.
Arowojolu's ordeal highlights the growing concern about kidnappings and insecurity in Nigeria. The incident occurred along a major highway, raising questions about the safety of travelers. Authorities have yet to comment on the incident or the efforts to rescue the remaining captives.
Arowojolu's story serves as a reminder of the risks faced by Nigerians, particularly those traveling through rural areas. Her bravery and quick thinking during the escape have been commended, and her story has sparked renewed calls for improved security measures to protect citizens from kidnappings and other crimes.
Key points
- A hairstylist, Elizabeth Arowojolu, was kidnapped along with 15 others by gunmen along the Benin-Ore Expressway in Nigeria on September 13.
- Arowojolu escaped from the kidnappers after they became distracted and she took the opportunity to flee with three other captives.
- The incident highlights the growing concern about kidnappings and insecurity in Nigeria, with authorities yet to comment on the incident or rescue efforts.
