Police, Vigilante Thwart Invasion of Praying Ground by Suspected Kidnappers in Ilorin
Operatives of the Nigerian Police Force, Kwara State Police Command, in collaboration with the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), successfully thwarted an attempted kidnapping in the early hours of Wednesday at a Muslim praying ground in Ilorin, the state capital.
According to the Public Relations Officer of the state Police Command, DSP Ejire Adeyemi Toun, the incident occurred around 01:30 on Wednesday. In a statement made available to journalists on Thursday, Toun detailed the events.
“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,” the statement read.
“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 assailants attempted to kidnap guests who had traveled 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 a hospital for medical attention and were treated and discharged.”
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, with continuous monitoring 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, stating, “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.
