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Fear has gripped passengers using the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja (NAIA) following the invasion of the facility by kidnappers and other criminals posing as commercial transport operators. No one could deduce their true intentions or true purpose until they had perpetrated their plans for the invasion. They left everyone fooled, including security agents operating within the premises of the Airport.

It was learnt that the men, who have laid siege to the airport and environs, kidnapped a National Youth Corps Service member and daughter of a serving House of Representatives member from Edo State last Wednesday. There are indications that the kidnap was not random, but originally intended for her. Indications also pointed to the fact that the kidnappers had a foreknowledge of the girl's travel plans before striking at the airport, since they have been waiting and watching in and around the airport prior to the act.

The NYSC member, Eghonghon Jessica Edionwele, the second daughter of Chief Joe Edionwele, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party representing Esan West, Esan Central and Igueben federal constituency of Edo State has not been found despite concerted effort made by the security agencies.

Eghonghon is a graduate of physiotherapy from Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma and she is serving in Ibadan and had flown with the 4pm flight of Arik Air from Lagos to Abuja to join his father, when she was taken by her captors. The victim reportedly boarded a vehicle from the NAIA  to the Area One residence of her father but was never taken to the house by the driver who picked from the airport.

She was feared to have boarded a commercial vehicle known as ‘One Chance’ operated by kidnappers and armed robbers, who simply railroad their victims to their hideouts and rob or kill demand heavy ransom as a condition for release. Findings indicated that although the NYSC member landed at the NAIA at exactly 5.15pm that Wednesday, her whereabouts remained unknown while her phones were also  switched off after the kidnap incidence.

The father, who spoke to newsmen, said  her daughter was expected to arrive at her Abuja home around 6pm that Wednesday, regretting that nothing had been heard from her since then.

It was learnt that although the captors of the 25-year-old had not established any contact with the family, some people had been using her Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card to withdraw money from her account. As at last night, N30,000 had been withdrawn from Eghonghon’s account. There are indications that the kidnappers were the one responsible for this act.

The FCT police, where the matter had been lodged by the family, said they were aware of the  development but declined to give further details to newsmen when pressed by the later. The FCT Police Command spokesman, Mr. Wilson Inalegwu, said he had no further information to give on the matter, when newsmen called him, yesterday, evening. He however added that effort is being made by law enforcement agents to track down the girl wherever the kidnappers might have taken her. The police also said they are working in conjunction with the family to bring the matter to a head.