In a brazen act of violence, armed assailants suspected to be kidnappers tragically took the lives of a security officer and another individual while abducting two victims at a farm located in Awo village, Orile-Imo. This shocking incident occurred on Wednesday, sending shockwaves through the Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The targeted victims, tragically caught in the crosshairs of this heinous act, were identified as Saheed Ogunrinde, an area commander from the esteemed So-Safe Corps, and a local resident of the village. It has been reported that the abductors donned military camouflage attire, adding a disconcerting element to their ruthless assault.

Swift action was taken by law enforcement officials, as police officers and members of the So-Safe Corps promptly pursued the kidnappers. However, their efforts to apprehend the perpetrators proved unsuccessful.

A village resident, who chose to remain anonymous, recounted the harrowing events of that fateful night. According to the source, the kidnappers targeted several workers at the farm but encountered resistance from the security personnel stationed there. Tragically, the assailants managed to abduct two workers and claim the lives of three individuals in the process.

Soji Ganzalo, the Commander of the So-Safe Corps, confirmed the distressing incident, shedding light on the measures taken by his team to address the situation. In response to a distress call from the Owode Area Command, Ganzalo’s team, led by the late SC Saheed Ogunrinde, swiftly arrived at the scene to confront the unfolding crisis.

Despite the joint efforts of the So-Safe Corps and the Nigeria Police, the kidnappers managed to evade capture. The following day, on May 31, 2023, the law enforcement teams returned to the location with officers from the Owode Division, conducting an extensive search that led them to the interchange area.

Tragically, a confrontation ensued as the kidnappers opened fire upon sighting the approaching security personnel. During the exchange of gunfire, SC Saheed Ogunrinde, affectionately known as Ajura, was struck by a bullet and lost his life. His mortal remains were subsequently transported to his residence in Ajura for a final farewell, while the kidnappers made off with his firearm and mobile phone.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Oyeyemi, when approached for comment, corroborated the incident. He confirmed that two individuals were shot during the ordeal, with one victim succumbing to their injuries at the scene. Additionally, two individuals were forcefully taken captive. However, the authorities have managed to apprehend one suspect thus far, providing a glimmer of hope in the pursuit of justice.

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent security challenges faced by communities in Ogun State, highlighting the need for enhanced measures to protect innocent lives and curb the activities of criminal elements.