Metro

Militants’ attempt to kidnap bizman fails, policeman, 5 others shot

Published

8 years ago

July 24, 2016

Pandemonium struck at the Fatoki area of Igando when armed militants stormed the community in a failed attempt to kidnap a wealthy man in the area who fortunately escaped the failed bid.

Residents in the area reportedly ran for their lives when the armed militants announced their arrival in the sleepy community by shooting sporadically and in the process inflicted gun wounds on a police inspector and five others.

Reports say a distress call was put through to security operatives following the gunshots and policemen later stormed the area engaging the militants in a gun duel which lasted for about two hours.

An eyewitness and a resident of the community, Donald Asiedu said the militants however ran out of firepower and escaped through Totowu Waterways, Ogun State.

“We have a vigilance group. We were at our duty posts when the militants stormed our community. They had more superior arms than us. We took to our heels.

“They were armed with GPMG (general purpose machine gun, with ammunition chains) and were shooting everywhere. They attempted to kidnap a businessman but the man escaped through the window. I thank God that we were able to escape from the militants.” Asiedu said.

Confirming the incident, Dolapo Badmos, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) said two persons including a police inspector sustained gun wounds.

“The Command foiled an attempt by a group of militants that invaded Fatoki community in Igando area of the state. The hoodlums stormed the place through the waterways, shooting sporadically.

“Police teams were promptly dispatched to the scene and engaged the militants in a gun battle. The superior firepower of the police, forced the militants to abandon their mission and escaped through Totowu Waterways.

“A civilian and a Police Inspector were injured during the gun battle. I want members of the public to report to the nearest Police station, anyone seen with bullet injuries as some of the hoodlums escaped with bullet injuries.

“The Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni, has advised the members of the public to always alert the police whenever they see suspicious people in the neighbourhood. This will enable the police to nip in the bud activities of criminals.”

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