Osun State government, on Tuesday, said that passengers abducted by bandits at Odo-Osun axis near Imesi-Ile in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, on Monday night, have all been rescued unhurt.
However, one of the local hunters who were on a rescue mission was said to have been shot dead by the kidnappers while another operative who sustained injuries in the course of the operation is presently responding to treatment in a hospital.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Mrs Abiodun Ige, who made these known in a statement in Osogbo, explained that the rescue effort was made possible by the combined team of security operatives quickly deployed by the state government to the troubled spots for necessary security surveillance.
While consoling the family of the deceased, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola expressed a deep sense of appreciation of the gallantry and show of courage displayed by the local operatives who acted promptly leading to the eventual rescue of the abducted passengers unhurt. He thanked them for their determination and patriotism.
Meanwhile, the State Government has implored the good people of the state to continue to cooperate with the security agencies in the state by providing necessary information on any untoward act or strange movements of people in their environment.
“Doing so, according to the state government will enable the government to take the type of swift action that was put in place which ensured the successful rescue operation of the abducted passengers at Odo Osun axis via Imesi Ile.”
In a separate statement by the Osun state police command spokesperson, Mrs Yemisi Oplaola, has warned cultists planning to mark July 7, 2021, as cultism day to deviate from such or face the wrath of the law.
In the statement made available in Osogbo, Mrs Opalola stated that, “the intelligence that availed the police command revealed that Cultists are planning to mark July 7, 2021, to celebrate cultism. In view of this, the Commissioner of police CP Olawale Olokode, psc, warned cultists and other unscrupulous elements in the state to stop the plan or any of such action (s) forthwith.”
“Consequently, the State Police Command, in collaboration with other security agents and local security outfits will not tolerate any unlawful gathering or assembly that will jeopardise the peace of the state as the plan to mark 7/7 may lead to bloodletting and destruction of properties.”
“Therefore, the Commissioner of Police has given a marching order to the Area commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Tactical units to be at alert and nip in the bud any act capable of truncating the peace of the state.”
“The CP advised parents and guardians to caution their wards to be law-abiding, and desist from any act or unlawful gathering/ assembly before, during and beyond the said date, as the State Police Command will arrest and prosecute defaulters.”
“Also, hoteliers, recreation/ event centres and landlords/landladies are by this announcement warned not to allow their facilities to be used for any cult-related activities/meetings, as owners of such facilities are liable for prosecution”.
“The CP advised the good people of the state to go about their lawful daily activities while the Command has taken necessary security measures to forestall any likely breakdown of law and order.”
“Finally, the citizens are urged to be security conscious, vigilant, co-operate and collaborate with the security agents by giving useful, credible and timely information and report any suspicious movement or activities of cultists and other criminals through these numbers: 08039537995 & 08123823981,” she concluded.
Credit: Nigerian Tribune