CITIZENS COMPASS —Ogun State Police Command on Saturday, said it has tracked the kidnappers of Lagos State Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and rescued nine other kidnapped victims
The operation was carried out by the Divisional Police Officer of Isara Division.
Citizens Compass reported that the PDP Chairman, Philip Aivoji, alongside other road users were kidnapped on Thursday, January 25, 2024, around Ogere axis of the Lagos – Ibadan Expressway.
According to spokesperson for the Command, Omolola Odutola, in a statement on Saturday, January 27, 2024, a report was received on January 25, 2024, at about 1900hrs that 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 motorists and started firing indiscriminately causing a state of commotion and panic which made motorists abandon their vehicles and fled for safety into the bush.
“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 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, they are recuperating and stable in hospital.
“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 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, is on a 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.”
