The Ogun State Police Command on Saturday said its agents on Friday at about 8:30 pm foiled a kidnap attempt of several travelers along the Warewa axis of the long bridge of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway and neutralized four of the kidnappers during the ensuing gun duel.
The spokesperson for the state police command, CSP Omolola Odutola, confirmed this in a statement on Saturday.
The gunmen are claimed to have attacked a white Paragon commercial vehicle with the number plate BDG 753 YH, driven by Mr. Morufu Adedeji and headed towards Lagos.
The armed guys reportedly forced the vehicle to stop, pointed a revolver at the driver, and began robbing passengers at gunpoint.
Odutola said, “During the attack, some passengers managed to escape through the rear door, which had been smartly and courageously opened by the driver.
“This act enraged the kidnappers, who then brutally assaulted the driver to the point of unconsciousness. Other motorists raised an alarm, which was swiftly intercepted by the Anti-Kidnapping Team on patrol.
“Upon arrival, the police operatives engaged the fleeing criminals in a gun duel. Four of the armed men were fatally injured, while others escaped with gunshot wounds into the surrounding forest.
“The bodies of the neutralized kidnappers have been deposited at the State Hospital Morgue, Ijaiye, Abeokuta, for autopsy and further investigation.”
The crime scene recovered items such as a locally made pistol with two cartridges, two daggers, a cash sum of ₦20,000, a Tecno Android phone, a solar power bank, and three USB lights.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ridding the area of criminal activities.
To strengthen security, the CP has reinforced the tactical operations.
