Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has ordered security agents to launch a massive manhunt for perpetrators of Sunday’s kidnapping along the Sagamu-Ijebu Ode Expressway.
Correpondent reported that the travellers were kidnapped by gunmen between Sagamu Area Command of the Nigeria Police and Ilisan township.
One of the victims was shot in the knee but managed to escape.
According to security sources, the kidnapping was an insider’s job, as all the victims who are foreign nationals arrived in the country the same day the incident occurred, adding that they were probably trailed to the location where the kidnapping took place.
Governor Abiodun, however, in a statement on Tuesday, said the state will not be allowed to become a den for kidnappers, and promised that the perpetrators would be smoked out and punished.
Abiodun said all security agencies, including the police, the army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun, So Safe Corps and local hunters were on the trail of the kidnappers with arrays of security gadgets, including drones.
He assured the people that their security was guaranteed as the present administration had committed so much to secure the state.
Abiodun said, “Following Sunday’s kidnapping incident that occurred in Ilishan, we want to reassure all residents that decisive action is being taken to apprehend the perpetrators and ensure the safe return of the victims.
“The security forces have launched a comprehensive manhunt and are working tirelessly to track down the kidnappers. Additional security measures and patrols have also been deployed to the affected area and across the state to prevent any further incidents.”
“We understand the concerns and anxiety this incident has caused, but we want to emphasize that Ogun State remains a safe place to live, work, and visit.
“The government is committed to maintaining law and order and will not relent in its efforts to protect the lives and property of all citizens,” he added.