Uyai-Abasi Etido
The Ogun State Police Command has on Saturday rescued a journalist identified as Oduneye Oluseun, who some gunmen kidnapped at Mobalufon area of Ijebu Ode on the 9th of March 2023.
According to the command spokesman, Abimbola Oyeyemi who on Monday confirmed the incident in a statement, the journalist who was coming from Abeokuta was kidnapped at Mobalufon area of Ijebu Ode in his Toyota Camry car at about 7:50 pm on Thursday 9th of March 2023.
The statement reads in part:
“The abductors later called his wife through his phone the following morning and demanded N30 million as ransom.”
“Upon the report, the State Commissioner of Police, Frank Mba directed the DPO Obalende divisional headquarters, SP Murphy Salami, whose jurisdiction the incident happened to ensure the safe rescue of the victim”.
“In compliance with the CP’s directive, the DPO mobilized his detectives and embarked on a technical and intelligence-based investigation of the incident”.
“Their efforts paid off when the Toyota Camry of the victim was traced to Idimu area of Lagos, where the kidnappers were hibernating waiting for the ransom.”
“On sighting the policemen, the hoodlums engaged them in a shootout which lasted for about 45 minutes before they abandoned the car and took to their heels after sustaining varying degrees of gunshot injuries”.
“The victim’s car which was soaked with the kidnappers’ blood as a result of gunshot injuries was recovered by the Police team”.
“Having realized that the game is over, the kidnappers were left with no alternative but to abandon the victim, and he was rescued unhurt”, the PPRO said.
Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, Frank Mba commended his men for their gallantry and professional conduct, and appealed to members of the public, especially hospitals and traditional healers to inform the police if anybody with gunshot injuries is seen in their area.
The CP also warned criminals to stay clear of Ogun State, as the Command is battle-ready to take the fight to their doorstep.