Residents of the Arepo area in Ogun State are on high alert following the abduction of the wife of retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, Hakeem Odumosu. The shocking incident occurred early on Friday when heavily armed gunmen stormed the home of the former police officer, taking his wife captive.
It was gathered that the armed assailants arrived at the Odumosu residence in the early hours of the morning, firing gunshots into the air before abducting Mrs. Odumosu. Reports indicate that the kidnappers dragged her from her vehicle, a Lexus SUV, and took her through nearby swampy terrain to an undisclosed location.
Following the alarming event, the Community Development Committee (CDC) in Arepo urged residents to be extra vigilant and strengthen security in their neighborhoods.
In a circular obtained by PUNCH, the committee stated, “We write to inform you of a kidnapping incident that occurred in Voera Estate yesterday night. Authorities, including police from Wawa, Ibafo, and Mowe, as well as soldiers, have been working to rescue the kidnapped woman since the incident happened.”
The CDC’s message emphasized the need for local security measures, urging the community to position security personnel in strategic locations to prevent further breaches.
“In light of this, we urge all CDAs in Arepo to be vigilant and strengthen security measures in their respective estates. Please position your security personnel strategically to prevent any potential security breaches,” the circular read.
The Ogun State Police Command has since confirmed the kidnapping and provided further details of the investigation. Speaking to reporters, the spokesperson for the Ogun Police, Omolola Odutola, shared that the police had swiftly responded to the abduction.
“Information was received regarding the kidnapping of Mrs. Odumosu, a female resident of Aminu Street, Arepo, Ogun State. Reports indicate that she was about to enter her home when four masked men attacked her, dragged her from her Lexus Jeep, and took her through swampy areas to an unknown location.”
Odutola added that the police had already begun a thorough search for the kidnappers. “The Divisional Police Officer has led a team of police officers to the scene, where they are currently searching the swampy bush area. The Divisional Police Officer has also contacted Baale Warewa and Baale Maaba, to deploy local security forces to the riverine area.”
Authorities have assured the public that every effort is being made to secure Mrs. Odumosu’s safe return. “The State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, has been briefed, and all covert operations have been deployed to assist with digital intelligence to ensure she is rescued unhurt,” Odutola concluded.
