Ogun police rescue kidnapped journalist

Etim Ekpimah

Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command, on 11 March 2023 rescued a journalist, Oduneye Olusegun, who was kidnapped by some gunmen at the Mobalufon area of Ijebu Ode on 9 March 2023.

The journalist, who was coming from Abeokuta was kidnapped at the Mobalufon area in his Toyota Camry car around 7:50 pm on Thursday, 9 March 2023.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Command, SP Abimbola Oyeyemi, said in a statement on Monday, 13 March 2023, that the abductors later called his wife through the victim’s phone the following morning and demanded N30 million as ransom.

“Upon the report, the Commissioner of Police, CP Frank Mba directed the DPO Obalende divisional headquarters, SP Murphy Salami, whose jurisdiction the incident happened to ensure the safe rescue of the victim.

“In compliance with the CP’s directive, the DPO mobilized his detectives and embarked on a technical and intelligence-based investigation of the incident.

“Their efforts paid off when the Toyota Camry of the victim was traced to the Idimu area of Lagos, where the kidnappers were hibernating waiting for the ransom.

“On sighting the policemen, the hoodlums engaged them in a shootout which lasted for about 45 minutes before they abandoned the car and took to their heels after sustaining varying degrees of gunshot injuries.

“The victim’s car which was soaked with the kidnappers’ blood as a result of gunshot injuries was recovered by the Police team.

“Having realized that the game is over, the kidnappers were left with no alternative but to abandon the victim, and he was rescued unhurt,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Frank Mba, who commended his men for their gallantry and professional conduct appealed to members of the public especially hospitals and traditional healers to inform the police if anybody with a gunshot injury is seen in their area.

The CP also warned criminals to stay clear from the Ogun state, as the Command is battle ready to take the fight to their doorstep.