Police Launch Manhunt As Officer Killed, Indian Expatriate Kidnapped In Oyo
•By OYENIYI KAZEEM
IBADAN – THE Oyo State Police Command has launched a massive manhunt for suspected kidnappers following the killing of a police officer and the abduction of an Indian expatriate during a weekend attack in Ogunmakin community, Oluyole Local Government Area of the state.
The incident, which occurred along the Lagos–Ibadan corridor, has prompted the Command to review its security strategy, with additional personnel deployed to affected areas to curb what police described as a resurgence of criminal activities.
Speaking on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Olayinka Alayande, condemned the attack and described it as a heinous act against the state.
According to him, the slain officer was killed while attempting to repel the gunmen who launched the attack in Ogunmakin, during which the Indian expatriate was abducted.
“It is pathetic that one of our officers lost his life while trying to repel the attacks launched by the gunmen at Ogunmakin area of Oluyole Local Government Area of the state,” Alayande said.
He disclosed that operatives have been deployed to comb surrounding bushes and neighbouring communities in search of the kidnappers and other criminal elements operating in the area.
“An Indian expatriate was kidnapped during the attack. We have deployed our men to the affected areas and they have started combing the bushes in search of the criminal elements. I am assuring the public that they will be smoked out from wherever they are hiding,” he added.
The police spokesperson further revealed that the Command is collaborating with its counterparts in Lagos and Ogun states to ensure effective policing of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway and border communities.
“The Police Command in Oyo State is reviewing its security architecture to checkmate the activities of kidnappers and other criminal elements across the 33 local government areas of the state,” he said.
Alayande reassured residents of the Command’s resolve to restore safety across Oyo State and bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice.