Police Rescue Abducted Journalist In Fierce Gun Duel With Kidnappers

The Ogun State command of the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the rescue of a journalist, Seun Oduneye, from kidnappers.

Naija News understands that the publisher of Issues Magazine was abducted last Thursday around the Mobalufon area of Ijebu Ode.

Reports had it that the journalist was riding in his Toyota Camry Car around 7:00. PM, on his way to Ijebu-Ode from Abeokuta when the kidnappers ambushed him in the Mobalufon area.

The abductors are said to have phoned his wife the following morning demanding the sum of N30 million ransom for his freedom.

Fortunately, the Police Spokesman, Abimbola Oyeyemi, on Monday morning, made a public announcement that Oduneye has been rescued by the command operatives after a gun battle which reportedly lasted for 45 minutes.

He said after the report of the kidnapping, the Commissioner of Police, Frank Mba directed the DPO Obalende divisional headquarters, SP Murphy Salami, to ensure the safe rescue of the victim.

Oyeyemi said the team embarked on a “technical intelligence-based investigation” which led the operatives to the Idimu area of Lagos, where the kidnappers were hibernating waiting for the ransom.

According to him, the hoodlums upon sighting the operatives engaged them in a shootout before they abandoned the car and took to their heels after sustaining varying degrees of gunshot injuries.

He said the kidnappers later abandoned the victim and fled with gunshot injuries.

The police statement on Monday said, “In compliance with the CP’s directive, the DPO mobilized his detectives and embarked on a technical intelligence based on investigation of the incident.

“Their efforts paid off when the Toyota Camry of the victim was traced the to Idimu area of Lagos, where the kidnappers were hibernating waiting for the ransom.

“On sighting the policemen, the hoodlums engaged them in a shootout which lasted for about 45 minutes before they abandoned the car and took to their heels after sustaining varying degrees of gunshot injuries.

“The victim’s car which was soaked with the kidnapper’s blood as a result of gunshot injuries was recovered by the Police team. Having realized that the game is over, the kidnappers were left with no alternative but to abandon the victim, and he was rescued unhurt.”

The Police publicist said CP Mba applauded the “gallant and professional” officers for a well-done one.

He, however, appealed to members of the public especially hospitals and traditional healers to inform the police if anybody with a gunshot injury is seen in their area.

Oyeyemi quoted the CP to have warned criminals to stay clear of Ogun state, as the Command is battle ready to take the fight to their doorstep.