The Isara Divisional Police under Ogun State Command has confirmed that nine out of 10 people kidnapped on Friday have been rescued from suspected kidnappers.
The Command’s Spokesperson, SP Omolola Odutola made this public in a statement she signed on Saturday.
Odutola disclosed that the rescue followed a report received on the 25th of January, 2024, at about 1900hrs that suspected hoodlums emerged from the bush near Bamboo area of the State, inward Lagos State, along Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
She narrated: “The yet to be identified gunman barricaded the highway with articulated vehicles, blocking incoming 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.
“Based on the information, the Divisional Police Officer and his team swiftly went to the scene together with an Army Patrol team on transit, rapidly returning gun fire which 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…”
Odutola confirmed that they are recuperating and stable in hospital.
The statement reads further: “Sadly, one Bilikisu Kazeem “f” aged 37 years, 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 “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 include one AK47 Magazine containing 28 live ammunition believed to belong to the hoodlums, handsets, car key, were handed over to respective owners”.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations has Odutola indicated has mobilised Tactical Commanders, on joint operations with other security agencies on the directives of the Commissioner of Police, Alamutu Abiodun, on tracking mission, to ensure that the victim Philip Aivoji is rescued unhurt.
Odutola pledged police would give further updates, urging members of the public and motorists to travel without panic or fear of attack
She said CP Abiodun is resolute to bring the perpetrators to justice.
