Gunmen Kill One Traveller, Abduct Several Others Along Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode Expressway
Gunmen attacked travellers on the Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode expressway, resulting in the death of one person and the abduction of seven others. According to a victim’s audio recording, the armed assailants, numbering up to seven, intercepted vehicles between the Ilisan, Ceplast industry, and Iperu junction axis of the expressway on Friday.
One victim, a driver en route to Lagos, recounted the traumatic experience, describing how the gunmen halted their vehicles with gunfire and forced them into the bush. The attackers, heavily armed with AK-47 rifles, exhibited violent behavior, including the killing of a person in a Lexus car. The victim attempted to communicate with the assailants in Hausa, hoping to avoid harm, and surrendered money and a phone when asked. Another driver, from the eastern part of the country, disclosed that the kidnappers also extorted money from him before the abduction. Ultimately, the victim and one other individual were released, while the remaining five captives remained with the gunmen.
SP Omolola Odutola, the spokesperson for the Ogun State police command, confirmed the incident, categorizing it as a case involving armed robbery, murder, and kidnapping. However, the exact number of abducted individuals remains unconfirmed, with one fatality yet to be identified.
The incident occurred on May 3 around 6:55 pm, when armed individuals wielding AK-47 rifles abruptly obstructed the Benin-Sagamu expressway. Upon arriving at the scene, the Ilisan Divisional Police Officer discovered two vehicles, a Lexus Jeep 300 registered to Chilaka Lugard and a Lexus Jeep 350 registered to Kingsley Chineme, pierced with bullets. Among the belongings found in the Lexus 350 car were a bag containing N113,000, two iPhones, and the body of an unidentified man with a gunshot wound to the head. Another vehicle, loaded with plantains, was also present, and the driver, who was among the abducted individuals, was later released along with the vehicle. The two Lexus vehicles were taken to the Ilishan Police Station for further investigation.
In response to the security breach, Commissioner of Police Abiodun Alamutu convened an emergency meeting and directed tactical commanders and the mobile squadron to pursue the perpetrators. The CP, displeased with the incident, visited the scene and assured the public that efforts were underway to apprehend the criminals responsible.
The authorities are actively working to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice, underscoring the commitment to ensuring the safety and security of citizens.
Sahara Reporters
