Lagos/ Ibadan Expressway: Oyo, Ogun Step Up Joint Security Against Kidnappers

The governments of Oyo and Ogun states are collaborating to ensure security on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

Fatai Owoseni, the Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state disclosed this to the Nigerian Tribune on Friday.

The security collaboration between the two states comes on the back of the kidnap of some passegers on the busy highway earlier this week.

No fewer than 12 members of the same family were said to have been kidnapped while traveling on the road in a bus. A woman was also said to have been shot dead while trying to escape from the criminals.

The incident has frightened many road users who believe the road could become an abductors-trap  ahead of the yuletide.

Speaking, Owoseni said the two contiguous state governments have set up a joint technical committee on security to strengthen security in the expressway during and after the festivities.  and other roads for the protection of the people.

The former Lagos state Commissioner of Police also stated that motorized patrols have been increased along the Ibafo and Mowe axis to reinforce security in those areas considers as black spots for criminals.

Meanwhile, Muyiwa Adejobi, the Force  Public Relations Officer, PRO, said security men are in hot chase of the kidnappers, noting that tracking them down through a search and rescue operation is not an easy task.

He said, “It is important we know that rescue operation is tedious and must be tactical for many reasons and to make sure that the victim is rescued unhurt and safe.

“We are on these cases and making progress. We can only urge victims and their relations to relate and work with the police and security operatives. We need their understanding and support in our operations, especially on rescue operations. We also urge Nigerians to adhere to our rolled-out security tips and make use of our ICT platforms and distress call lines for help when the needs arise.”