Police have killed two kidnappers from a group that abducted four travellers on Sunday night along the Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode highway.
The Ogun State Police Commissioner, Abiodun Alamutu, announced on Wednesday that police officers killed two kidnappers in a shootout. These kidnappers were part of a group that had kidnapped four travelers on Sunday night along the Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode expressway.
Commissioner Alamutu also confirmed that the four kidnapped individuals, one Nigerian and three Indian nationals, have been freed.
During a press briefing at the police headquarters in Abeokuta, Alamutu shared the details. Police recovered 109 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, five AK47 rifles, eight AK magazines, and two cell phones from the kidnappers.
He recounted the incident from June 30, 2024. Around 7:10 pm, the Divisional Police Officer in Ikenne received a distress call about a kidnapping near Delabo junction on the Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode expressway.
According to Alamutu, armed men in an unregistered Venza car attacked a grey Toyota Rav 4 jeep with registration number AGL 16 JE. They shot at the vehicle’s tyres and the rear, forcing it to stop. The kidnappers then abducted the occupants and drove off towards Ijebu-Ode.
The police quickly sent the Anti-kidnapping squad to chase the suspects. The kidnappers were found hiding in a bush. When they saw the police, they started shooting, leading to a gunfight. The police’s superior firepower killed two kidnappers, while the others escaped, leaving their weapons behind.
The kidnapped individuals, one Nigerian and three Indian nationals, were safely rescued and reunited with their families.
Commissioner Alamutu emphasized the police’s commitment to protecting lives and property. He mentioned that a rapid response team is now patrolling the Sagamu-Benin expressway to boost security.
He also asked the public to report anyone with gunshot wounds, as this could help in catching the remaining suspects.