By Adesakin Adefemi
Five victims kidnapped in Ogbere forest, Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, have called on the Federal Government to better equip the police and improve their welfare after being rescued by the joint Lagos-Ogun security operation codenamed Operation Kosaye.
Two of the survivors, Mr Jimoh Gbadamosi and Temiloluwa, an IT officer with a private company in Edo State, spoke to journalists on Saturday at the Police Training School, Iperu-Remo. They were among five persons freed by operatives on Friday following a gun battle with kidnappers in the Ogbere forest.
Temiloluwa recounted that the incident occurred on Thursday, June 25, while she was traveling to Lagos for her annual leave with two senior colleagues. According to her, gunshots erupted around Ogbere at about 4pm, causing multiple vehicles to collide. She sustained head injuries and lost a tooth when she was thrown against the front seat.
The IT officer said the kidnappers took her bracelet, wristwatch, cash, and other valuables before marching the group into the bush for about four hours. The abductors later demanded N20 million from their families. “We were not too sure of what was happening. Later, we just heard gunshots, and the kidnappers began to run away,” she said.
Temiloluwa said she had given up hope until police operatives appeared in large numbers. “We have always thought that the police are not working but sincerely when I got outside the bush and saw the police in their numbers, I was completely speechless,” she stated. “I will use this medium to call on both the federal and state government to do so much more for the police.”
She urged the government to improve police remuneration, allowances, and equipment. “They should be properly equipped and everything about their welfare should be top-notch because these are the people risking their lives so that we can live,” she added.
Mr Gbadamosi also commended the speed of the rescue, saying he did not believe it was possible in Nigeria. “I could not have believed that this prompt rescue by the police could happen in Nigeria. The police that came to rescue us were more than 300,” he said.
The survivor argued that public perception of the police must change because officers “are only putting their lives at risk for us to live.” He added that the Federal Government must address pension delays and compensation for officers who die in service. “The police must be properly equipped and be supported by everyone for enhanced security for all,” Gbadamosi said.
Operation Kosaye was launched on Saturday at the Police Training School, Iperu-Remo, by the Ogun and Lagos Police Commands. Police authorities had earlier disclosed that the operation rescued five victims, neutralised four suspected kidnappers, and arrested 88 suspects across both states, with several forests and criminal camps cleared.
