Today is exactly seven days since the Edo State Chairman of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Alhaji Abdulhamid Baba-Saliu was kidnapped by gunmen at the entrance of his house in Jattu, Etsako West Local Government, Edo State, South-South Nigeria.
Gatekeepers News reports that Baba-Saliu, who is popularly known as Baba Petrol, was whisked away on Monday night (February 7th, 2022) and one of his drivers was shot and killed immediately in the process, while his second driver who was driving a backup car later succumbed to the bullet injuries he suffered.
A security operative also sustained injuries from gunshots.
The kidnappers have made contact with the family and have assured them of his safety while negotiations for his release are ongoing. Family, friends and associates are concerned and appealing to the kidnappers to release Baba Petrol unhurt and unconditionally. We at Gatekeepers News join the call for his immediate release so he can reunite with his family and loved ones.
Meanwhile, the Edo state chapter of IPMAN has condemned the incident and urged the State Governor and the nation’s security agents to swing into action and ensure Baba-Saliu is rescued from the kidnappers’ den.
In a statement signed by its Assistant Secretary of IPMAN, Angelina Aigbokhai, the association appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari, the Inspector General of Police, the Department of State Security Service, the Nigeria Army and other relevant authorities to ensure Baba petrol is rescued unhurt.
“The kidnap which is seen as planned and orchestrated by enemies of Nigeria is one among many that have taken place in the country and Edo state in particular.
“IPMAN as a body will not take this as a joke but as an attack on the entire body which will be highly resisted,” the association said.
Gatekeepers News reports that almost every part of Nigeria is currently experiencing a rise in security crisis from incessant killings to kidnapping.
Although it is not clear what measures have been put in place to rescue Baba Petrol, Edo Police Command’s spokesman Kontongs Bello has confirmed that the Police is aware of the incident.
Being aware is not enough. Baba Petrol has to be rescued alive.
“We hope that the bush-combing exercise will lead to the rescue of the victim and arrest of his abductors,” Bello said.
