The Baasi kidnapping incident has taken a significant turn after an escaped victim recounted how four suspected abductors allegedly beat him with machetes and attempted to shoot him before he regained his freedom in Atisbo Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The victim, James Julius interviewed by Kaseem Jenrade said the incident happened at about 5am when the attackers seized him and took him to an undisclosed location.
Julius, a labourer who has worked for nearly two years under Mr Mathias Igede, popularly known as Yellow, from Benue State, said he was employed in the Agric Area of Baasi town.
According to his account, his captors subjected him to severe physical abuse and demanded that he contact his employer to arrange payment of a ransom for his release.
He said the attackers covered his eyes but failed to secure the blindfold properly, giving him an opportunity to observe some of the people holding him.
In a startling revelation, Julius claimed he recognised his abductors as people living within his neighbourhood.
He specifically identified one of them as Dogo, whom he said lives in the same area.
The survivor further explained that the attackers spoke fluent Fulani and could also communicate to some extent in Yoruba.
He described the violence he suffered in their custody, saying he was repeatedly beaten with machetes before the men allegedly attempted to shoot him.
Despite the injuries and terrifying circumstances, Julius said he somehow managed to escape, bringing an end to the ordeal.
Survivor appreciates police intervention and community support
Following his escape, Julius expressed appreciation to officers of the Nigeria Police Force at Ago-Are Division for their prompt response and efforts to ensure his safety.
He particularly commended the police for their proactive intervention and assistance with settling his hospital bills after the incident.
He also acknowledged the support he received from the traditional institution and residents of Baasi.
The survivor expressed gratitude to the Onibaasi of Baasi land, Oba Dr Sunday Azeez Babatunde Asunmo Modele, as well as the wider community for their kindness and assistance during his difficult experience.
He was subsequently reported to be receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital following his escape from the kidnappers’ hideout.
Victim’s identification leads to suspect’s arrest
Information provided by Julius reportedly helped local security operatives identify and apprehend a man he recognised as one of his alleged abductors.
The suspect was identified as Dogo of Gaa Alhaji in Baasi. His arrest followed a joint operation involving vigilante members, Amotekun, Iru Ekun and local hunters.
The security groups reportedly worked together after receiving information from the escaped victim, whose familiarity with the neighbourhood helped point investigators towards the suspect.
Following the operation, the suspect was taken to the palace of the Onibaasi of Baasi, Oba Dr Sunday Azeez Babatunde Asunmo, who confirmed the arrest.
The monarch explained that the victim had recognised the suspect as someone residing within the same community, providing an important lead that helped security operatives track him down.
The traditional ruler subsequently handed the suspect over to the police in Atisbo Local Government Area for further investigation and interrogation.
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The arrest represents a development in the effort to establish those responsible for the attack on Julius. However, the suspect remains an alleged offender, and his involvement has not been established by a court.
Police investigations are expected to determine the circumstances of the abduction, examine the information supplied by the victim and establish whether other individuals participated in the crime.
Atisbo chairman confirms arrest and highlights security measures
The Chairman of Atisbo Local Government Council, Hon. Bashiru Alade Muyiwa, also confirmed the arrest and acknowledged the role played by the security operatives.
Alade expressed concern over repeated kidnapping incidents in Baasi, noting that the situation had strengthened calls for improved security arrangements within the community.
He explained that reports of abductions informed the state government’s decision to fast-track the establishment of a police security post in Baasi.
The recently commissioned police post is intended to strengthen security operations, improve response to criminal activities and provide better protection for residents.
Its presence is also expected to support coordination between conventional police personnel and community-based security groups operating in the area.
The chairman’s comments underline the importance of sustained security measures in communities that have experienced repeated abductions, rather than relying solely on responses after criminal incidents have occurred.
Residents warned against taking the law into their own hands
Following the suspect’s arrest, Alade urged residents of Baasi and the wider Atisbo Local Government Area to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to the police and other relevant security agencies.
He specifically cautioned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands, stressing that suspects should be allowed to face proper investigation and prosecution.
The warning is significant given the involvement of several local security groups in the operation that resulted in the suspect’s arrest.
Although community participation can provide valuable information and support security operations, the handling of suspects must remain within the law.
Residents are therefore encouraged to cooperate with the authorities by providing credible information rather than attempting to punish suspected criminals themselves.
Appeal for justice and stronger protection
Julius has called on the police to ensure that those responsible for his abduction and alleged torture are identified, arrested and prosecuted.
He stressed the importance of bringing the perpetrators to justice, arguing that appropriate punishment would discourage others from engaging in similar criminal activities.
The arrest of the suspect he identified is an important development, but further investigation will be necessary to establish the full circumstances of the incident and determine whether additional suspects are involved.
The Baasi kidnapping case has also drawn attention to the security challenges facing the community, particularly the need for effective action against abductions and violent attacks.
For Julius, the immediate concerns are recovery from his ordeal and seeing justice served. For residents, the expectation is that the police post, community security cooperation and ongoing investigations will help prevent further incidents.
The authorities are now expected to pursue the case through the appropriate legal process while strengthening measures to protect residents and workers across Baasi and other communities in Atisbo Local Government Area.
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