By: Abdulhafeez Oyewole
The Kwara State Police Command, in collaboration with the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), has successfully thwarted an attempted kidnap in the early hours of yesterday, July 24, 2024, at about 01:30 hrs, in the Oluwalose community of Ilorin-west LGA, along the Okolowo-Jebba Highway.
According to a press release on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, D.S.P Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, "a distress call was received from the Oluwalose community, alerting the authorities of an invasion by a group of armed assailants.
The statement added that the police and VGN promptly dispatched a patrol team to the scene, where they found nine heavily armed individuals, wielding AK-47 rifles and Dane-guns, who had infiltrated the camp of Alfa Bukhari Jamiu Tunde.
She added, "The attackers attempted to kidnap guests who had traveled to the camp for prayers. However, thanks to the swift response and intervention of the patrol team and the VGN, the kidnapping attempt was foiled, and no one was abducted.
"Unfortunately, during the incident, a man and his wife who had journeyed from Lagos to attend the prayer camp at Alfa Bukhari's, sustained injuries inflicted by the kidnappers.
She added that the victims were promptly taken to the hospital for medical attention and have since been discharged.
Meanwhile the Kwara State Police Command has stationed patrol teams in the area to conduct a thorough search for the assailants, and an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
She noted that the situation in Solaty Village is under control, and monitoring continues to ensure the safety and security of the residents.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Victor Olaiya, commended the bravery and prompt action of the patrol team and the VGN members, stating that their dedication and quick response undoubtedly prevented a potential tragic event.
The Kwara State Police Command resounded its commitment to safeguarding the lives and properties of all residents and urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.