…bandits kill security operative, injure another
BY TIMOTHY AGBOR, OSOGBO
A local security operative has been killed while was another injured during a gun battle that ensued between a combined team of security agents and bandits who abducted about six residents in Osun State.
The heavily armed abductors had in two separate kidnappings that happened on Sunday and Monday, abducted the residents, said to be on transit.
It was gathered that the gunmen abducted two persons at Tafia, a village under Esaoke, around Imesi-Ile on Sunday. On Monday, another vehicle was also ambushed by suspected Fulani herdsmen at Esa-Odo and four persons abducted.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Olawale Olokode, on Tuesday, confirmed that the four persons kidnapped at Esa-Odo were rescued unhurt.
Olokode, in a statement issued by the Command’s spokeperson, SP Yemisi Opalola, confirmed that a local security operative was killed and another injured during an exchange of gun fire with the kidnappers in the bush.
He said, “Upon a distress call that the victims were abducted, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olawale Olokode, drafted a combined team of the Police Tactical Unit, JTF and other security outfits on a rescue mission of the abducted commuters.
“The victims were rescued just about 3:5pm of today, 6th July, 2021 along Ere-Ijesa, Ibokun road owing to the pressure mounted on the abductors by the police and other security agencies. No ransom was paid, but unfortunately we lost one of the local security operatives while one of the victims was injured during the exchange of gun fire with the kidnappers and responding to treatment.
“The Commissioner of Police appeals to the good citizens of the state to report any suspected person(s) with bullet wounds to the Police0. He also assures the members of the public/commuters of their safety as security measures have been put in place to forestall future occurrence.”
Also, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Abiodun Ige confirmed the rescue of the victims and death of the local.
“The State government sadly announce the death of one local security operative during the search and rescue operation. Another operative who sustained injuries in the course of the operation is presently responding to treatment in the hospital.
“While consoling the family of the deceased, Gov Adegboyega Oyetola expressed a deep sense of appreciation for the gallantry and show of courage displayed by the local operatives who acted promptly, leading to the eventual rescue of the abducted passengers unhurt.”
