Gunmen Abduct 20 Travellers Along Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode Expressway

On the evening of June 30, 2024, at approximately 9:00 PM, a group of gunmen launched a brazen attack on the Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode Expressway in Ogun State, Nigeria. The assailants ambushed and abducted about 20 travellers along the route, near the Sagamu Area Command and Ilisan township.

According to reports, the gunmen opened fire on the travellers, injuring one victim in the knee. The injured individual was rushed to Babcock University Teaching Hospital for urgent medical attention.

The incident has sparked outrage and concern over the security situation in the region. Wemmy Osude, Chairman of the Ilisan Development Council, confirmed the attack and expressed his dismay at the escalating insecurity. “A resident of Ilisan (name unconfirmed) was reportedly shot in the knee and is receiving medical attention at Babcock Teaching Hospital,” Osude stated.

Osude also revealed that he had spoken to the Sagamu Police Area Commander about the incident and expressed hope that security agents would pursue the criminals and rescue the abducted individuals. “I have spoken to the Sagamu Area Commander about this incident, and hopefully, we trust that all the security agents will go after these criminals and rescue these people,” he said.

The Ogun State Police Command has yet to confirm the number of people abducted or provide further details about the incident. Efforts to reach the spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, SP Omolola Odutola, were unsuccessful, as calls to her line did not connect.

This incident comes on the heels of other recent abductions and security breaches in the area. Just last month, two individuals were abducted, and Professor Yinka Olomojobi of Babcock University was murdered at the Ajadeh Event Centre along Iperu-Sagamu Road, Iperu Remo, in the Ikenne Local Government Area.

The Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, has expressed his displeasure with the security breach and has summoned an emergency meeting with tactical commanders and the mobile squadron to address the situation. “The CP has been to the scene of this incident, and a lot of work is ongoing to fish these people out and let them answer for their criminality,” said Odutola.

As the investigation unfolds, residents and travellers in the region are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. The Ogun State Police Command is working diligently to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure the safety of the citizens.