The Ogun State Government has confirmed the successful rescue of all seven victims abducted in the recent incident involving students of Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade.
Governor Dapo Abiodun confirmed this during a Joint Press Conference held at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, with the Commissioner of Police in the State, Bode Ojajuni.
He said the rescue followed a coordinated operation involving the Police, Armed Forces, DSS, NSCDC, Amotekun, vigilantes and local hunters, adding that air support was provided with the police helicopter deployed on August 3rd following the abduction on 29th July.
The Governor confirmed that one of the seven victims sustained a gunshot injury but has been stabilised.
According to the Governor, the rescue demonstrate what is possible through decisive leadership, intelligence sharing, inter-agency cooperation, and sustained operational pressure.
“From the moment the incident was reported, we mobilised the relevant security agencies and subsequently strengthened the operation with aerial surveillance to complement intensive ground efforts,” the statement said.
The government commended security personnel, traditional rulers, community leaders, vigilantes, local hunters, and residents for providing useful intelligence that aided the operation.
It, however, noted that operations are continuing to bring those connected with the crime to justice and to dismantle criminal networks.
“The safety and security of our people remain the foundation upon which our vision for a prosperous Ogun State rests,” the government stated.
It reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the state’s security architecture, adding: “Our message to criminal elements is unequivocal: there will be no safe haven for criminality anywhere in Ogun State.”
The Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, said no ransom was paid and that the victims are currently with the police providing useful information. He added that the manhunt for other fleeing suspects is still ongoing.
