- By Halimah Olamide
Three Indians and a Nigerian who were among those kidnapped in Ogun State on Sunday night have regained their freedom.
NPO Reports that victims were kidnapped at the Delabo junction area of Sagamu-Ijebu Ode Road at about 8pm.
According to Omolola Odutola, spokesperson of the Ogun command of the police she said efforts are ongoing to arrest those who orchestrated the attacks.
She wrote in an Update on Wednesday “One Mr Ola, Pujan and two other Indians names yet unknown have regained their freedom along Ogere inward Lagos Ibadan expressway.
”Efforts ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects, she said
She further stated that Investigations by the Anti Kidnapping Unit of Ogun State Police Command, further revealed that three Indian Nationals were the victims of kidnap incident that occurred at Delabo Junction on the 30th of June 2024.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of the state had on Tuesday ordered security agencies to go after the kidnappers.
Below Is Abiodun’s Order to the security forces
Abiodun Orders Massive Manhunt for Perpetrators of Sunday’s Kidnapping on Sagamu-Ijebu Ode Expressway
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has ordered security agents to launch a massive manhunt for perpetrators of Sunday’s kidnapping along the Sagamu-Ijebu Ode Expressway.
Many people were reportedly kidnapped around the Area Command and Ilishan City Gate on the ever busy road by gunmen who ambushed them at about 9 pm.
Security sources said the kidnapping was an insider’s job as all the victims were foreign nationals who arrived the country the same day the incident occurred, adding that they were probably trailed to the location where the kidnapping took place.
Prince Abiodun, in a statement on Tuesday, said Ogun State will not be allowed to become a den for kidnappers, even as he promised that the perpetrators would be smoked out and punished.
The governor said all the security agencies, including the police, army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC), Amotekun, So Safe Corps and local hunters are on the trail of the kidnappers with arrays of security gadgets, including drones.
He assured the people that their security is guaranteed as the present administration has committed so much to secure the state.
“Following Sunday’s kidnapping incident that occurred in Ilishan, we want to reassure all residents that decisive action is being taken to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure the safe return of the victims.
“The security forces have launched a comprehensive manhunt and are working tirelessly to track down the kidnappers. Additional security measures and patrols have also been deployed to the affected area and across the state to prevent any further incidents.
“We understand the concerns and anxiety this incident has caused, but we want to emphasize that Ogun State remains a safe place to live, work, and visit. The government is committed to maintaining law and order and will not relent in its efforts to protect the lives and property of all citizens,” Prince Abiodun said.
It was not at the time of filing the report if any ransom was paid for the release of the victims.
The police did not also state whether the release was outcome of an encounter with the kidnappers.