Militant Kills Three Policemen And One Other In Ogun State

At least, three policemen and one other resident of the Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of Ogun State have been reportedly killed by suspected militants.

It was gathered that the three policemen, attached to the Lagos State Special Anti-Robbery Squad, lost their lives over the weekend while trying to rescue a Chinese expatriate abducted by the gunmen.

The policemen had engaged the gunmen in a fire exchange when they lost their lives. Another resident was also hit by a stray bullet and died on the spot during the gun duel.

The assailants, Punch reports also attacked the home of a businessman, identified as Chief Rafiu Daramola, and carted away N4.7m.

A community leader said the three policemen and one resident were killed in Odi Omi, a boundary community between Lagos and Ogun states.

He said, “The militants kidnapped a Chinese expatriate. As they were leaving with their victim, the operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad engaged them in a gunbattle. The gunmen, however, shot dead three policemen and an indigene. The corpses were later removed and deposited in a morgue by the police.”

The Ogun State police spokesperson, Abimbola Oyeyemi, who confirmed the killing of the three residents, said the slain policemen were not from the state command.

He said, “They invaded the businessman’s house, but our policemen were able to repel them. At the end of the encounter, we arrested one of the suspects, while their operational vehicle was recovered.

“The suspect is helping with the investigation. The state Commissioner of Police, Ahmad Iliyasu, has deployed some special units of the police, including men from the Federal SARS, Mobile Police Force, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and other conventional policemen, in the scene to ensure the security of lives and property.”

Similarly, Chairman, Ogun Waterside LGA, Femi Onanuga, confirmed that the policemen were from the Lagos State Police Command.

He said, “The three policemen and another man were killed during the shootout to free the Chinese expatriate. It was after that encounter that the militants attacked the businessman and stole the money.

“Earlier, they had kidnapped another settler, Mrs Shittu. She was held in captivity for two weeks until her husband paid a ransom of N1.4m.

“We are calling on the state and federal governments to come to our rescue. These militants must not overwhelm us.”

 

Source: Daily Post