AKOL charges Police on kidnapping upsurge in Osun

Alarmed by the upsurge of kidnapping, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the last Presidential and National Assembly elections for Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency of Osun, Dr. Olasiji Olamiju has challenged the Police to curb the renewed spate of criminal activities in the state, especially kidnapping.

The Pharmaceutical doctor popularly known as AKOL made this known in a statement he issued in his country home Esa-Oke today (Tuesday).

Olamiju explained that over five kidnap cases involving about twenty victims have been reported within Ijesa North Federal Constituency of the state alone.

“There is no doubt that the State of Osun is known to be a peaceful and crime free state. But kidnapping has become a national issue and it is very unfortunate my Federal Constituency has become the kidnappers' den and that is a cause for worry.

“Road users who travel through Iwaraja and Ilesa/Akure receive a lot of attacks and that has become very worrisome. It is getting scary and soon, we will not be able to travel without seeking some form of help from the security agencies and I know that there is not enough manpower to be able to provide protection for all travellers”, Olamiju observed.

He continued: “Between Sunday and yesterday (Monday), two FRSC marshals were kidnapped at Erin-Ijesa area of Akure/Ilesa highway and just yesterday (Monday) a traditional chief and one other were kidnapped along ESA-Odo and Ilare road. I have talked with the Commissioner of Police and a lot is being done. But I believe that there is the need to involve our local hunters and vigilantes so as to ensure quick release of the victims and for us to be able to find solutions to this particular crime.”

Having eulogised the swift response of the police to the site of attack on his distress call to the CP, he tasked the police authority to open security posts along the expressway and strategic places within the state whilst advising the people to remain vigilant and report strange gatherings or people in their community to security agents.