The Police Command in Osun says it has intensified its manhunt for the gunmen who attacked travellers along the Ibadan-Akure road, Ikire, Osun, on Saturday.
The spokesperson of the command, SP Yemisi Opalola, in a statement issued in Osogbo on Sunday, said while three of the gunmen were arrested, others escaped with two kidnapped victims.
According to the statement, a combined team of the police and vigilance group is, however, on their trail.
“Consequent upon the incident of March 6, at about 7p.m., where a gang of criminals/hoodlums intercepted and attacked a Toyota Previa commercial bus with Reg. Ondo KTP 331 RG, plying Ibadan/Akure expressway, by Egbu Village Ikire, in which unsuspecting commuters were eventually dispossessed of their valuables and the driver and one other abducted; the police, in prompt response, engaged the criminals in fire fight, which led to the arrest of three (3) suspects, and the rescue of other commuters safely to Ikire Police Division.
“The arrested suspects are making useful statements.
“Sequel to this report, the Osun Commissioner of Police, CP Olawale Olokode, immediately combined a strong reinforcement of Police Tactical units, JTF, local hunters, and vigilantes with the police teams on ground, to embark on a search/rescue operation; combing the bush for the two missing persons, and possible arrest of all other fleeing criminals.
“He further reiterates his resolve that all forms of criminal incendiary will be checkmated in all nook and cranny.
“He also warns criminals to have a rethink, as the command has declared total war on unscrupulous elements.
“The CP enjoins members of the public to support, cooperate, and collaborate with the police in fighting crime, and to bring it down to the barest minimum by providing us with creditable and prompt information,” the statement reads.
