Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have killed two suspected kidnappers and rescued a popular businessman, Alhaji Hassan Atoyebi, from his abductors without paying the N30 million ransom demanded.
Atoyebi was kidnapped last Monday night at his residence in Onipanu, Ota area of the state after the gang lured him outside by switching off his generator.
The gunmen reportedly invaded the premises at about 8:14pm, forced him into the bush and contacted his family shortly after, insisting on a N30 million ransom for his release.
Police spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola, who confirmed the incident on Thursday, said the tactical units of the command launched a coordinated offensive that led to the neutralisation of two members of the gang and the rescue of the victim unharmed.
“The kidnappers switched off the running generator to deceive the occupants,” Odutola said. “Thinking it was a fault, the victim and another person came out to check. They were ambushed and Atoyebi was taken away.”
She noted that the assailants also carted away several items including N900,000 cash, a PoS machine, three phones, a power bank and the keys to a Highlander and Corolla vehicle.
According to Odutola, the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo, immediately activated a joint rescue operation involving operatives from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Anti-Crime Section, Surveillance Team, So-Safe Corps, vigilantes and local hunters.
“Our operatives stormed the criminals’ hideout along a creek where two of the kidnappers were neutralised during a gun battle. Others escaped with gunshot wounds. The victim was rescued unhurt and reunited with his family,” she stated.
She added that phones and vehicle keys belonging to the victim were recovered at the scene.
While commending his men for the successful operation, CP Ogunlowo vowed that the state would remain “too hot for criminals.”
“This command will ensure that Ogun State remains unsafe for kidnappers and other criminal elements,” the CP vowed. “We will not relent in defending our residents.”
Residents in the Onipanu area and neighbouring communities, who have been alarmed by recent kidnapping attempts in Ogun border towns, hailed the police for the swift intervention.
A resident who witnessed the operation but asked not to be named told PLATFORM TIMES, “We couldn’t sleep after he was taken. The police response brought relief to the community. We are happy he returned alive.”
This rescue operation is one of several similar breakthroughs recorded recently by the command. In July, two suspected kidnappers were gunned down in Owode-Egba during a rescue operation that freed three abducted residents of Ajebo community.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
