The operatives of Ogun State Police Command attached to Isara Division and an army patrol on transit has successfully rescued nine out of ten persons kidnapped by suspected kidnappers.

The command spokesperson, SP Omolola Odutola, who revealed this said, following a report received on the 25th of January 2024 at about 1900hrs that yet to be identified gunmen barricaded the highway with articulated vehicles, blocking oncoming motorist and started firing indiscriminately causing a commotion and panic which made motorist to abandon their vehicles and fled for safety into the bush, the Divisional Police Officer and his team swiftly raced to the scene together with an Army Patrol team on transit, rapidly returned gun fire which aided the escape of nine kidnapped victims who later rejoined their vehicles and continued their journey.

During the cross, as stated, 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.

“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”, she stated.

Exhibits recovered from the scene includes one AK47 Magazine containing 28 live ammunitions believed to belong to the hoodlums. Handsets, car key, also recovered, Odutola said, were handed over to respective owners.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations in the state was said to have 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”, Odutola said.