Daud Olatunji
Gunmen have abducted a senior driver with Dangote Cement Company, Ibese, Usman Umar, popularly known as Baba Olowo, in Ajibawo village, near Ijako-Orile, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The incident occurred around midnight on Wednesday when Umar was returning from work and was reportedly attacked shortly after he alighted from a motorcycle in front of his residence.
According to information gathered by PLATFORM TIMES, about three armed men ambushed the driver and dragged him into a nearby bush while firing shots sporadically into the air to scare residents and prevent them from intervening.
Sources familiar with the incident said the abductors did not arrive in a vehicle but escaped with the victim on foot through the bush.
Umar, who works as a senior driver with Dangote Cement Company, Ibese, was said to have been returning from work when the gunmen seized him.
The incident has heightened concerns over the security situation in parts of Yewa North, which has recorded cases of kidnapping and other criminal activities.
Confirming the incident, the Ogun State Police Command said it was aware of the case and that efforts were underway to secure the victim’s safe return.
The Deputy Police Public Relations Officer of the command, ASP Oluborode Opeyemi, said, “The command is aware of this particular case and I can assure you that serious efforts are currently being made to ensure the safe return of the truck driver.”
The police spokesman, however, did not disclose further details on the operation or whether the command had established contact with the abductors.
A rescue operation is reportedly ongoing, with security operatives working to locate Umar and apprehend the perpetrators.
As of the time of filing this report, the whereabouts of the victim remained unknown. There was also no confirmed information on whether the abductors had made any ransom demand or established communication with his family.
The latest incident is expected to renew calls for increased security patrols, improved intelligence gathering and stronger community-based security measures in Ijako-Orile, Ajibawo and other vulnerable communities across Yewa North.
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