ALERT: Beware of kidnappers disguised as transporters, Osun warns residents

The Osun state government has asked residents to be security conscious following reports of attacks by suspected kidnappers.

In a statement on Wednesday, Funke Egbemode, the commissioner for information and civic orientation, said the state has received intelligence reports that kidnappers were disguising as commercial transporters to abduct unsuspecting victims.

“The government, through intelligence report, is aware of the infiltration of the ranks of commercial transport operators in the state by some criminal elements, who are now attempting to harm unsuspecting citizens using motorcycles and mini-buses (korope) especially,” she said.

“The video of a young lady making the rounds, who was fortunate to escape the plot, confirms the report.

“We are therefore calling on residents of the state to be more security conscious as they move around the state, and especially avoid motorcycles, mini-buses or buses without registration numbers.

“Citizens are also advised to report through the state’s emergency lines all suspicious movements or presence around their communities or places of residence.”

The state government instructed transport associations to deploy enforcement teams to ensure that safety regulations are followed.

“The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) is charged not to allow any of its members to be used for nefarious activities that threaten the security of the state,” she said

Egbemode added that security agencies have been briefed on the development and that steps are being taken to ensure peace in the state.