A tragic incident occurred on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, where a 37-year-old woman named Bilikisu Kazeem lost her life due to a gunshot wound sustained during a fierce encounter between the police and kidnappers. The Ogun State Police Spokesman, Omolola Odutola, revealed this distressing news in Abeokuta, the capital city of the state.
The clash between law enforcement and the abductors resulted in the successful rescue of nine out of the ten individuals who had been taken hostage along the highway. The suspected kidnappers had targeted travelers on the busy Lagos-Ibadan expressway, which included Philip Aivoji, the Chairman of the Lagos state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
While the police were able to free most of the victims, unfortunately, Philip Aivoji, the PDP chairman, remained in captivity. This harrowing incident highlights the growing menace of kidnapping and violence on major Nigerian highways.
Speaking on casualties recorded, Odutola said, “A White Mazda Bus registered as LSR 288 XE was slightly damaged, while Eunice Afolake Osalusi “f”, Erinfolami Samuel “m”, Obafemi Da Altantra “m” and Adeyinka Mathew sustained non-ife threatening bullet injuries in their escape attempts, they are recuperating and stable in hospital.
“Sadly, one Bilikisu Kazeem “f” aged 37years, gave up the ghost before getting to the hospital. Her remains was immediately collected by her relatives who were conveying her to the hospital, declining any autopsy examination from the police.”
The Police Spokesman listed exhibits recovered from the scene to include “one AK47 Magazine containing 28 live ammunition believed to belong to the hoodlums, handsets, car key, were handed over to respective owners.”
She added that the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of operations had mobilised Tactical Commanders, on joint operations with other security agencies to ensure that the PDP chairman is rescued unhurt.
