Gunmen Kidnap 20 Travellers on Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode Expressway

Oluwasegun SanusiJuly 1, 20242 Mins read243

A branch of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), in Ughelli, reportedly witnessed a violent attempt at robbery earlier today, as gunmen stormed the premises and engaged the police stationed at the bank in a fierce gun battle.

Gunmen have reportedly kidnapped 20 travellers along the Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode Expressway yesterday around 9 p.m.

The assailants ambushed the travellers between the Sagamu Area Command of the Nigeria Police and Ilisan township, according to Wemmy Osude, Chairman of the Ilisan Development Council.

Osude informed newsmen that the incident occurred between the Area Command and Ilisan City Gate.

“A resident of Ilisan, whose name is yet to be confirmed, was shot in the knee and is currently receiving medical attention at Babcock Teaching Hospital,” he stated.

“Other victims were taken into the bush. While waiting for additional information, please contact your loved ones who may be travelling on that road to exercise caution.”

The Ilisan Development Council Chairman also said he had spoken to the Sagamu Police Area Commander about the incident, expressing hope that security agents would pursue the criminals and rescue the abducted individuals.

Police Respond

In a press release this morning, the Ogun State Police Command addressed the suspected abduction and armed robbery, detailing the security measures strengthened in the Sagamu area to prevent further attacks.

According to the release, the Divisional Police Officer of Ikenne responded to an armed robbery incident that occurred at about 7:10 p.m. on June 30, 2024, near Delabo Junction along the Sagamu/Ijebu-Ode Expressway.

The report indicated that a group of unknown armed individuals in an unregistered Toyota Venza trailed a man in a grey Toyota RAV4 with licence number plate Lagos – AGL-16-JE.

The criminals blocked the victim’s vehicle on a rough patch of the road, fired four rounds of ammunition into the vehicle’s tyres, and forced the driver into their waiting Venza before speeding off towards Ijebu-Ode.

“The assailants also shot at the driver of a black Toyota Camry with licence number plate Lagos – AAA-04-JB, injuring his left leg as he attempted to make a U-turn. Additionally, they smashed the windscreen of a bus travelling from Abuja to Lagos in the Ilisan area and took the driver’s mobile phone after warning him that he was not their target,” the statement noted.

The injured drivers have been taken to Babcock University Teaching Hospital in Ilisan, where they are currently responding to treatment.

No lives were lost, and the two damaged vehicles have been recovered and towed to the police station. The identity of the kidnapped victim remains unknown.