Rescued Ogun victims urge FG to equip, support police

Victims rescued from a kidnapping incident in Ogun State have called on the Federal Government to enhance police equipment and welfare. The group, including an IT officer named Temiloluwa and Mr. Jimoh Gbadamosi, was freed by a joint security operation, "Operation Kosaye," involving Ogun and Lagos State police.

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The incident happened on Thursday, June 25, I was actually traveling with two other seniors officers, we are all working in the same company. The man who drove us is a senior manager while the one who sat in the front is an Engineer. I was actually going home to enjoy my leave.

Temiloluwa recounted being abducted on Thursday, June 25, while traveling to Lagos for her annual leave. Her vehicle was caught between two other vehicles, leading to a chaotic scene where she sustained injuries. The driver managed to escape, but her colleague, an engineer, hesitated when he saw her bleeding and was subsequently captured. The kidnappers took their belongings and marched them for about four hours into the bush, demanding a ransom of N20 million.

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On getting to Ogbere around 4pm, we just heard sporadic gunshots, there was a vehicle in front of us and another one was behind us. In the ensuing confusion, the vehicles began to hit one another and that was how I knocked my head against the front seat and one of my teeth was removed.

On Friday, gunshots signaled the arrival of security forces, causing the kidnappers to flee. The victims, initially unsure of what was happening, were relieved to discover it was the police. Temiloluwa expressed astonishment, stating she had doubted the police's effectiveness but was overwhelmed by their presence and the successful rescue. She emphasized the need for improved remuneration, allowances, and equipment for police officers, recognizing their role in risking their lives for public safety.

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They later collected all that was on me, my bracelet, wristwatch and some cash. They later marched us into the bush, we trekked for about four hours inside the bush. Later they told us to call our families and they were demanded for N20m.

The rescued victims are receiving care at the Police Training School in Iperu-Remo. Their ordeal highlights the persistent security challenges in the region and underscores their plea for greater government investment in law enforcement capabilities.

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We have always thought that the police are not working but sincerely when I got outside the bush and saw the police in their numbers, I was completely speechless because I had already thought that I was not going to survive the incident. I have even prayed to God to please grant me access to his kingdom in case I died.