March 13, (THEWILL) – Operatives of the Ogun State Police have rescued a journalist, Seun Oduneye, who was kidnapped by some gunmen at the Mobalufon area of Ijebu Ode on March 9, 2023.
The journalist was said to be coming from Abeokuta when he was kidnapped in his Toyota Camry car at about 7:50 pm on Thursday.
The abductors later called the victim’s wife through his phone the following morning and demanded N30 million as ransom.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi, confirmed this to newsmen in a statement, in Abeokuta, on Monday
Oyeyemi said upon the report, the Commissioner of Police, CP Frank Mba, directed the DPO, Obalende Divisional Headquarters, SP Murphy Salami, to ensure the safe rescue of the victim.
He said in compliance with the CP’s directive, the DPO mobilised his detectives and embarked on a technical and intelligence-based investigation of the incident.
The Police PRO said 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 realised that the game is over, the kidnappers were left with no alternative but to abandon the victim, and he was rescued unhurt,” he added
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.
Mba, also warned criminals to stay clear from Ogun State, as the Command is battle ready to take the fight to their doorstep.
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