Ogun State Police Command rescued nine out of 10 victims abducted by suspected kidnappers on Thursday, January 25 along Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
However, one of the victims died as a result of gunshot wounds sustained during firing by the suspects.
The police spokeswoman in the command, SP Omolola Odutola , in a statement on Saturday, January 27, said that a report was received by the Divisional Police Officer, Isara Division, at about 7pm that suspected hoodlums emerged from the bush near Bamboo area of the state, along Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
According to the PPRO, the yet-to-be-identified gunmen barricaded the highway with articulated vehicles, blocking oncoming vehicles ,and started firing indiscriminately, thereby causing a state of commotion and panic.
Motorists were said to have abandoned their vehicles and fled into the bush for safety.
“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 rejoined their vehicles and continued their journey.
“A White Mazda Bus registered as LSR 288 XE was slightly damaged, while Eunice Afolake Osalusi, Erinfolami Samuel, Obafemi Da Altantra and Adeyinka Mathew sustained non-life threatening bullet injuries in their escape attempts. They are stable and recuperating in hospital.
“Sadly, one Bilikisu Kazeem, a female aged 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.
One Philip Aivoji, who was identified as the Lagos State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by those earlier rescued, was still being held captive by the time this story was being filed.
However, the PPRO said that covert operations had been put in place to ensure his release.
An AK-47 magazine containing 28 live ammunition believed to belong to the kidnappers was recovered along with handsets and car key which were handed over to respective owners.
SP Odutola said that the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations had mobilised Tactical Commanders in joint operations with other security agencies on the directives of the Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu to ensure the rescue of the PDP chairman unhurt.
“Further updates will be made available to members of the public, while motorists are advised to travel safely without panic or fear of attack, as CP Alamutu is resolute to bring the perpetrators to justice” she stated.
