The Divisional Police Officer of Isara Division and his team successfully rescued nine out of ten persons from suspected kidnappers.
Following a report received on Thursday 25th of January 2024 at about 7pm, suspected hoodlums emerged from the bush near Bamboo area of Ogun State, inward Lagos State, along Lagos-Ibadan expressway. That the yet to be identified gunmen barricaded the highway with articulated vehicles, blocking oncoming motorist firing indiscriminately causing a state of commotion and panic which made motorist to abandon their vehicles and fled for safety into the bush.
Based on information available, the Divisional Police Officer and his team swiftly raced to the scene together with an Army Patrol team on transit, exchanging gun fire with the hoodlums this aided the escape of nine kidnapped victims who later rejoined their vehicles and continued their journey.
A White Mazda Bus registered as LSR 288 XE was slightly damaged, while Eunice Afolake Osalusi “f”, Erinfolami Samuel “m”, Obafemi Da Altantra “m” and Adeyinka Mathew sustained non life threatening bullet injuries in their escape attempts, they are recuperating and stable in hospital.
Sadly, one Bilikisu Kazeem “f” aged 37years, gave up the ghost before getting to the hospital. Her remains was immediately collected by her relatives who were conveying her to the hospital, declining any autopsy examination from the police.
Philip Aivoji “m” whose identity was later given by those earlier rescued revealed he is the Lagos State PDP Chairman and is still held captive, but covert operations are in place to ensure his release.
Exhibits recovered from the fleeing suspect includes one AK47 Magazine containing 28 live ammunitions believed to belong to the hoodlums, handsets, car key, were handed over to respective owners.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations has mobilised Tactical Commanders, on joint operations with other security agencies on the directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP ALAMUTU ABIODUN on tracking mission, to ensure that the victim Philip Aivoji is rescued unhurt.
Further updates will be made available to members of the public and motorist are advised to travel safely without panic or fear of attack, as CP Alamutu Abiodun is resolute to bring the perpetrators in this instant case to justice.
SP Omolola Odutola anipr,
Police Public Relations officer,
Ogun State Police Command Headquarters Eleweran, Abeokuta.