…Reiterates commitment to protection of lives, property
Police authorities in Oyo State have intensified bush combing operations to track down kidnappers and other criminal elements following the abduction of an Indian expatriate in Ogunmakin community, Oluyole Local Government Area of the state.
The renewed operation is a follow up to the weekend attack earlier reported, during which armed men stormed the area, killed a police officer while he was repelling the assault, and abducted the expatriate along the Lagos Ibadan Expressway axis.
The incident, which sparked public concern over security around border communities and major highways, has prompted the Oyo State Police Command to review its security strategy, with the deployment of additional personnel and tactical resources to vulnerable locations.
Speaking on Monday during a current affairs programme on Fresh FM, an Ibadan based radio station, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, described the attack as regrettable and painful, particularly the loss of a serving officer in the line of duty.
Olayinka decried the resurgence of criminal activities in some parts of the state, noting that the Command had escalated its response in line with the seriousness of the Ogunmakin incident.
“The Oyo State Police Command is reviewing its security architecture to checkmate the activities of kidnappers and other criminal elements across the 33 local government areas of the state,” he said.
“It is pathetic that one of our officers lost his life while trying to repel the attack launched by gunmen in Ogunmakin area of Oluyole Local Government Area. During the attack, an Indian expatriate was kidnapped.
“We have deployed our men to the affected areas and they have commenced combing the bushes in search of these criminal elements. I want to assure the public that they will be smoked out wherever they are hiding.”
He added that the Command was working in collaboration with sister commands in Lagos and Ogun states to strengthen policing of the Lagos Ibadan Expressway and adjoining border communities, a stretch previously identified as critical following the attack.
The police spokesperson reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force in Oyo State to the protection of lives and property.
The police assured residents that the ongoing operation would be sustained until the abducted expatriate is rescued and those responsible for the crime are arrested and brought to justice.