Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has deployed drones in massive manhunt for the perpetrators of Sunday night abduction of travellers off Ilisan – Ikenne corridor Lagos – Ore expressway.
Nigerian Newstrack had earlier reported that gunmen attacked travellers along the Ilisan – Sagamu corridor of Lagos Ore expressway, shooting one in the leg and allegedly abducting others.
Security sources said the kidnapping was an insider’s job as all the victims were foreign nationals, who arrived the country the same day the incident occurred, adding that they were probably trailed to the location where the kidnapping took place.
The gunmen riding in an unmarked Toyota Venza car first attacked a traveller in his Toyota RAV4 Jeep, grey colour with license number plate– Lagos – AGL-16-JE after they had trailed him to a failed portion of the Ilisan – Sagamu corridor near Ikenne along the expressway, riddling parts of the RAV4 Toyota with bullets before abducting him.
The assailants also attacked another fear – stricken traveller ridding in a Toyota Camry car marked AAA-04-JB while trying to make a hurried U – turn to escape the troubled spot, leaving him with gunshot wounds on his leg.
The wounded man, it was learnt, was evacuated to the Babcock University Teaching Hospital (BUTH), Ilisan where he is currently receiving treatment, even as two vehicles believed to belong to the travellers were abandoned at the scene in the ensuing commotion.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Ogun State, Superintendent of Police (SP) Omolola Odutola, confirming it to our reporter, said the gunmen fired about five rounds of ammunition from AK – 47 riffle into the vehicle of the first victim.
SP Odutola said no life was lost and that the two vehicles damaged by the attackers have been recovered.
“The Divisional Police Officer of Ikenne, Division has responded to a suspected Armed robbery incident, which occured at about 1910 hours of 30th June, 2024.
“Following information gathered, an abduction incident occurred near Delabo Junction along the Sagamu/Ijebu-Ode Expressway.
“A group of unknown armed individuals, without definite number, in their unregistered Venza Toyota car, trailed a man in his Toyota RAV4 Jeep, grey colour with license number plate– Lagos – AGL-16-JE, to a rough patch of the road, and blocked the victim’s vehicle.
“The criminals fired four rounds of ammunition believed to be from an AK-47 into the driver’s back tyre and another shot into the front tyre.
Immediately, the hoodlums alighted from their vehicle, and forced the driver of the Toyota Rav 4 into their waiting Venza Jeep, and speed off towards Ijebu-Ode.
“During the incident, the hoodlums also shot at a driver , of a Toyota Camry car, black colour, whose name is yet unknown,with license number plate– Lagos – AAA-04-JB, inflicting injury on his left leg as he attempted a U-turn.
“Additionally, a bus driver traveling from Abuja to Lagos in the Ilishan area was stopped by the criminals, and smashed his bus windscreen and collected his mobile phone after warning him to be cautious as he was not their target.
“Other injured driver has been promptly taken to Babcock University Teaching Hospital in Ilisan for treatment and he is currently responding to treatment.
“No lives were lost but the two vehicles damaged by the fleeing suspects have been recovered and towed to the police station.
“Further updates will be communicated to members of the public, as the identity of the kidnapped victim is yet unknown.
“The Commissioner of Police CP Alamutu Abiodun Mustapha psc has been briefed and he has detailed the Anti Kidnapping unit to take up the investigation.”
But reacting to the development on Tuesday, Governor Abiodun ordered security agents to launch a massive manhunt for perpetrators.
Security sources said the kidnapping was an insider’s job as all the victims were foreign nationals who arrived the country the same day the incident occurred, adding that they were probably trailed to the location where the kidnapping took place.
Governor Abiodun, in a statement on Tuesday, said Ogun State will not be allowed to become a den for kidnappers, even as he promised that the perpetrators would be smoked out and punished.
He said all the security agencies, including the police, army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC), Amotekun, So Safe Corps and local hunters are on the trail of the kidnappers with arrays of security gadgets, including drones.
He assured the people that their security is guaranteed as the present administration has committed so much to secure the state.
“Following Sunday’s kidnapping incident that occurred in Ilishan, we want to reassure all residents that decisive action is being taken to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure the safe return of the victims.
“The security forces have launched a comprehensive manhunt and are working tirelessly to track down the kidnappers. Additional security measures and patrols have also been deployed to the affected area and across the state to prevent any further incidents.
“We understand the concerns and anxiety this incident has caused, but we want to emphasize that Ogun State remains a safe place to live, work, and visit. The government is committed to maintaining law and order and will not relent in its efforts to protect the lives and property of all citizens,” Abiodun said.
