Gunmen on Tuesday evening abducted a former member of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Moruf Musa, at Ibiade in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of the state.

Musa, who served as Majority Leader of the Assembly between 2007 and 2011, was reportedly seized at about 7 pm while observing Muslim prayers inside a mosque located within his compound.

Confirming the incident to PUNCH Online on Wednesday, the Chairman of Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, Ganiyu Odunoiki, said the abduction occurred during the evening prayer, adding that the attackers also fired shots along the road while fleeing.

Odunoiki said, “The report is true, the former lawmaker was abducted on Tuesday evening. The gunmen also reportedly shot some people on the road.

“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.”

The Ogun State Police Command also confirmed the abduction.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the command was aware of the incident and had activated security measures to ensure Musa’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,” Babaseyi told PUNCH Online.

A source in the community said the former lawmaker reportedly struggled with his abductors for over 20 minutes, drawing the attention of residents.

The source added that the gunmen fired sporadically into the air to scare away people before escaping with the victim. (PUNCH)