The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Isara Division has successfully rescued nine out of 10 persons from suspected kidnappers.
The Ogun State spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, said that a report received on the 25th of January 2024 at about 7:pm suspected hoodlums emerged from the bush near the Bamboo area of Ogun State, inward Lagos State, along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
The yet-to-be-identified gunmen barricaded the highway with articulated vehicles, blocking oncoming motorists and started firing indiscriminately causing a state of commotion and panic which made motorists abandon their vehicles and flee for safety into the bush.
Odutola said: “Based on the information, the Divisional Police Officer and his team swiftly raced to the scene together with an Army Patrol team on transit, rapidly returned gunfire which aided the escape of nine kidnapped victims who later re-joined their vehicles and continued their journey.”
A White Mazda Bus registered as LSR 288 XE, slightly damaged was recovered. Also, Eunice Afolake Osalusi, Erinfolami Samuel, Obafemi Da Altantra and Adeyinka Mathew sustained non-life-threatening bullet injuries in their escape attempts.
The suspects are recuperating and stable in hospital, said Odutola.
She also said: “One Bilikisu Kazeem, 37, gave up the ghost before getting to the hospital. Her remains were immediately collected by her relatives who were conveying her to the hospital, declining any autopsy examination from the police.
“One Philip Aivoji 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 include one AK47 Magazine containing 28 live ammunitions believed to belong to the hoodlums, handsets, and car key, which 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 motorists 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.”
