Operatives of the Kwara State Police Command, in collaboration with the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), successfully foiled an attempted kidnap in the early hours of Wednesday in Ilorin, the state capital.
An unidentified man and his wife who travelled from Lagos for the religious event at the scene of the incident, were, however, injured in the failed kidnap attempt.
The kidnap attempt, according to the spokesperson of the police command, DSP Ejire Adeyemi Toun in a statement in Ilorin on Thursday, occurred at about 01:30 hrs.
She said “A distress call was received from the Oluwalose community of Ilorin West Local Government Area of the state, along the Okolowo-Jebba Highway, alerting the authorities of an invasion by a group of armed assailants.
“Our gallant patrol team from Oloje Police Division alongside men of the VGN, was immediately dispatched to the scene.
“Upon arrival, it was discovered that nine heavily armed individuals, wielding AK-47 rifles and Dane guns, had infiltrated the camp of Alfa Bukhari Jamiu Tunde.
“The attackers attempted to kidnap guests who had travelled to the camp for prayers. Thanks to the swift response and intervention of the patrol team and the VGN, the kidnapping attempt was foiled, and no one was abducted.
“Unfortunately, during the incident, a man and his wife who had journeyed from Lagos to attend the prayer camp at Alfa Bukhari’s, sustained injuries inflicted by the kidnappers. The victims were promptly taken to hospital for medical attention and were treated and discharged from the hospital.
The Kwara State police command has stationed patrol teams in the area to conduct a thorough search for the assailants, and an investigation into the incident is ongoing. The situation in Solati village is under control, and monitoring continues to ensure the safety and security of the residents.
The Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, commended the bravery and prompt action of the patrol team and the VGN members, saying the dedication and quick response undoubtedly prevented a potential tragic event.
The command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the lives and properties of all residents and urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
Kwara Police, vigilante foil kidnap attempt in Ilorin
