- Safiu Kehinde
The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of four passengers kidnapped along the Igbeti–Kishi Road.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the command’s spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka.
According to Olayinka, the passengers were abducted by armed hoodlums in the early hours of Thursday.
“Preliminary reports revealed that armed hoodlums emerged from a nearby bush and blocked the road, intercepting a commercial bus travelling from Igbeti towards Kishi.
“During the incident, four passengers were forcefully taken into the surrounding bush by the assailants.
“Immediately the report was received, the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP Femi Haruna, promptly directed the Divisional Police Officers of Igbeti and Kishi Divisions, in conjunction with relevant tactical teams, to mobilize all necessary operational resources to ensure the victims were rescued unhurt.” The statement partly read.
After hours of combing the bush the joint security team came in contact with the kidnappers who fled and left their captives.
“Acting on this directive, a combined security team comprising Police operatives, members of the Amotekun Corps, Operation Burst, and other local security stakeholders swiftly moved to the area and commenced intensive combing of the surrounding forests.
“The sustained bush combing operation, which lasted for several hours, mounted significant pressure on the criminals, forcing them to abandon the victims and flee the scene.
“Consequently, the four victims were successfully rescued unhurt, have regained their freedom, and have since been reunited with their families.” Ayanlade said.
Reacting to the development, Haruna, accoridng to the command’s spokesperson, commended the bravery, professionalism, and swift response of the combined security team.
The Oyo Police Commissioner emphasised that synergy and cooperation among security agencies remain vital to the protection of lives and property across the state.
The Command also expresses its appreciation to the Oyo State Government under the leadership of Seyi Makinde for the prompt response and resources mobilized in support of security operations across the state.
Meanwhile, the command disclosed that intensive bush combing and intelligence-driven operations are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and ensure they are brought to justice.
It urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible and timely information that will aid ongoing security efforts.