Gunmen kidnap Lagos PDP chairman

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State has called on security agencies and government authorities to intervene promptly and secure the release of its abducted chairman, Philip Aivoji.
The Lagos State PDP publicity secretary, Hakeem Amode, said in a statement on Friday that Mr Aivoji was abducted by unknown kidnappers on Thursday.
“Aivoji was abducted on Thursday, Jan. 25, at about 6.00 p.m. on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway while returning from a stakeholders meeting in Oyo State convened by Gov. Seyi Makinde and Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun.
“It is disheartening that kidnapping has become a prevalent issue in our country, and the government’s inability to address this menace is deeply concerning.
“The abduction of Aivoji underscores the pressing need for decisive actions from the government and stakeholders to eradicate this menace.
“Aivoji’s abduction was a violent incident, and his current whereabouts or any communication from the abductors remain unknown.
“We implore the governments of Oyo State, Ogun, and Lagos State, alongside security agencies, to expedite efforts and secure his safe return to his family and well-wishers,” he said.
The PDP spokesman said that with increased efforts from security agencies, Mr Aivoji would be rescued from these criminals.
“We call on the public to support initiatives aimed at ending this threat to innocent lives,” he said
Similarly, Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, the PDP 2023 governorship candidate, who expressed shock over the news of the kidnapping of the party chairman, demanded urgent action against insecurity.
Mr Adediran, in a statement by his spokesman, Gbenga Ogunleye, recounted that Mr Aivoji and some other members of the party were kidnapped while on their way from a party function in Ibadan on Thursday.
He described the incident as unfortunate and a disturbing dimension to the growing insecurity in the country, especially in the south western part of the country.
According to him, the government must intensify efforts in the area of security to end putting the lives of the citizens in grave danger.
“We demand urgent action from the security agencies to facilitate the immediate release of the abducted party chairman.
“We also advise that the regional local security outfit, Amotekun, should collaborate with the police in this rescue mission,” Mr Adediran said.
He prayed for divine intervention as he enjoined the party faithful not to despair but to keep praying for the speedy release of the kidnapped chairman and others.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Anti-Corruption
Court rejects ex-minister Sadiya Farouq’s bid to set aside arrest warrant
The matter was adjourned to July 2, 2026 for arraignment.

Heading 5
Oyo police recover additional firearms, exhibits after arrest of five suspected armed robbers
He said the interrogation of the suspects led to the recovery of additional exhibits linked to the case.

Heading 2
U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber crashes shortly after takeoff at Edwards Air Force Base
The number of casualties and those on board are yet to be ascertained.

Economy
Nigeria’s food inflation at 17% worrisome, weakening household purchasing power: CPPE
The NBS, on Monday, reported that Nigeria’s headline inflation rate rose slightly to 15.93 per cent in May 2026 from 15.69 per cent in April.

Heading 4
Sweden passes ‘good behaviour’ law; creates legal basis to kick out misbehaving Nigerians, other immigrants
The law will take effect from July 13.

States
Troops rescue wife of late General Abubakar
He noted that bandits shot Mrs Abubakar before abandoning her.






