Police kill highway robber in fierce encounter in Ogun

Godstime Simon

The Ogun State Police Command has killed a highway robber while others escaped through a bush path with bullet wounds during an encounter with the police along the Sagamu-Ijebu Ode highway.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Command, Omolola Odutola, on Sunday, 16 February 2024 said that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Odogbolu received a report that armed robbers had blocked the Sagamu/Ijebu-Ode Highway, opposite Western University, before the multiple bridge.

Odutola stated that immediately after receiving the information, the DPO mobilised his patrol team, which collaborated with patrol teams from Obalende and Amotekun, and swiftly responded to the situation.

He said, “During the encounter, one of the armed robbers was fatally injured, while others escaped through a nearby bush with bullet wounds. A ghost gun was recovered from the scene, and the corpse of the neutralised robber was deposited at the Ijebu-Ode General Hospital Morgue.”

The command’s spokesperson noted that efforts are currently underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects, adding that further developments will be communicated.

She added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, has ordered continued patrols and monitoring of the highway to ensure the safety of commuters.

In a related development, the Ogun State Police Command, led by the Commissioner of Police, intercepted 20 young individuals of unknown origin who were seen alighting from a truck near the Ogun-Oyo boundary.

During his routine weekend patrol along Eledumare, Bamboo 1 & 2, Fidiwo 1 & 2, Foursquare, Alapako, and Onigari—areas within Ogun State bordering Oyo State—CP Lanre Ogunlowo observed the suspects moving without a clear destination.

Acting on his professional instincts, he ordered a search of their persons and belongings, leading to the recovery of dangerous weapons, including daggers, knives, cutlasses, and suspected charms.

Following this discovery, the Commissioner of Police directed the immediate detention of the individuals and ordered the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) to conduct thorough profiling. He further instructed that anyone found culpable should be swiftly charged to court to ensure justice is served.

CP Lanre Ogunlowo reaffirmed his commitment to proactive policing and community engagement, assuring residents of Ogun State that the Command will continue to intensify efforts in crime prevention, intelligence gathering, and prompt law enforcement responses.

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police formation for timely intervention.

He further stated that the Ogun State Police Command remains dedicated to safeguarding lives and property and will not relent in its duty to rid the state of criminal elements.