Police kill ‘four kidnappers’ on Lagos-Ibadan expressway

The police command in Ogun state says its operatives killed four suspected kidnappers during a gun duel along the Warewa axis of the long bridge on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

In a statement on Saturday, Omolola Odutola, spokesperson of the command, relayed that the anti-kidnapping unit responded to a distress call at about 8:30pm on February 20.

Odutola detailed that the suspects had ambushed a Lagos-bound white paragon commercial vehicle with registration number BDG 753 YH, before proceeding to rob passengers at gunpoint, after forcing Morufu Adedeji, the driver, to bring the vehicle to a screeching halt.

He said some passengers managed to escape when the driver “courageously” opened the rear door. But the kidnappers, angered by the move, pummelled him to a coma.

She said motorists raised an alarm, prompting the patrol anti-kidnapping team to intervene, leading to a gunfight which saw four suspects killed while others escaped with injuries.

Recovered items include a locally made pistol with two cartridges, two daggers, N20,000 in cash, a Tecno android phone, a solar power bank, and three USB lights.

The spokesperson said the bodies of the suspects have been deposited at the state’s hospital morgue in Ijaiye, Abeokuta, for autopsy and further investigation.

Odutola said Lanre Ogunlowo, commissioner of police in Ogun, has reinforced tactical operatives at strategic flashpoints in Arepo and intensified patrols to enhance security for residents and commuters.

The command urged the public, particularly medical practitioners, to report anyone seeking treatment for gunshot wounds.

The police also advised residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest station.