The Ogun State Police Command has rescued 10 passengers abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan Road, killing one suspect during a follow-up operation and recovering an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and N1.37m in cash.
The victims, who were abducted from a commercial bus at Orita Fufu, Awa-Ijebu, in Ijebu North-East Local Government Area on November 3, regained their freedom unharmed at about 8.30pm on Saturday, November 7.
The police attributed their release to sustained security pressure and intelligence-led operations aimed at securing their freedom.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit subsequently stormed the suspected kidnappers’ hideout along the Ibadan-Ijebu Ode Road at about 1am on November 8.
He said the operation triggered a gun battle during which one suspected kidnapper was neutralised, while other members of the gang escaped with suspected gunshot wounds.
Babaseyi said the recovered items included an AK-47 rifle, 20 rounds of ammunition, N1,376,800 in cash and a mobile phone.
He added that the command had intensified efforts to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
The police spokesman urged residents to report anyone seen with suspicious gunshot wounds to the nearest police station or through established police communication channels.
He stressed that public cooperation remained important to the ongoing operation and efforts to prevent further criminal activities in the state.
The latest development followed the abduction of travellers from a commercial bus along the Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan corridor on November 3.
The incident had generated concern after reports emerged that gunmen intercepted the vehicle and whisked passengers into the surrounding bush.
Earlier reports indicated that families of the abducted travellers had appealed for urgent intervention, with ransom demands reportedly made during the period the passengers remained in captivity.
The initial police account of the incident described nine passengers as abducted, with one traveller escaping and alerting security operatives. The command’s latest statement, however, identified 10 passengers as having regained their freedom.
The rescue represents a breakthrough in efforts to secure the release of the travellers, although the whereabouts of the fleeing suspects remain unknown.
The command urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist security agencies in tracking down the remaining members of the gang.
It also assured residents of its continued commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes across Ogun State.
