Daniel Ayantoye | Ibadan
In a bid to forestall future kidnapping along Lagos-Ibadan expressway, the Oyo State Police command has beefed up Security in the State.
Lagos-Ibadan expressway have recently become concern to Commuters plying the route as they continue to express fear of being kidnapped, following reports of several abductions on the road.
According to reports, kidnappers on Saturday, January 8, 2022, abducted five passengers, while another person, Ibrahim Tiamiyu, was shot in his thigh.
Fews days after the last operation by kidnappers on the highway at Onigari axis, the bandits struck again on Saturday, January 15, 2022 and kidnapped three persons at Ishara-Remo axis in Ogun State.
It was gathered that the bandits, about 10 in number, emerged from a bush along the road dressed in military uniform and started shooting sporadically, aiming guns at vehicles and their occupants.
Some were able to escape, including a Nollywood actress, Bimpe Akintunde and her daughter.Meanwhile, the Oyo State Police Commissioner, CP Ngozi Onadeko, in a statement made available to National Telescope by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP. Adewale Osifeso Anipr, assured residents and communters of adequate security presence along the route as well as other routes in the State.
The statement with No. AZ: 5250/OY/PPRO/ VOL. 6/99 reads in full, “The Oyo State Police Command under the able leadership of CP Ngozi Onadeko fdc, has re-affirmed its commitment to leave no stone unturned in ridding the State and its surrounding environs off undesirable criminal elements.
“Furthermore, in a bid to forestall future abduction incidents along Onigarri axis of Lagos/Ibadan expressway and other adjoining routes, the Commissioner of Police has emplaced proactive security measures to ensure that the nefarious activities of these hoodlums are nipped in the bud in coordinated corporation with adjoining State Commands.
“In furtherance to the above the good citizens of Oyo State are advised not to panic or agitate as adequate deployment of tactical and operational assets would be seen swarming the axis and embarking on; joint intelligence-led surveillance, aggressive patrols with adjoining states, combing of forests alongside local hunters and vigilantes and permanent visibility policing measures intensified along the busy Highways.
“Consequent upon these, private and public users of the Lagos/Ibadan Express way are encouraged to go about their day to day activities without any form of fear of molestation or harassment from unscrupulous elements as adequate security measures in its topmost capacities are on ground.
“While cooperation with the Police in exchange of credible and timely information is encouraged, the CP enjoins the good people of Oyo State to eschew crime and criminality at all times.”
