Photo used for illustration
Oke-Ogun writhe in anguish as gunmen abduct medical doctor, woman
Yinka ADETUNJI
A medical practitioner and a lady are the latest (known) victims of kidnap in Oke-Ogun axis of Oyo state.
The medical practitioner Dr D.O. Lawal said to be the chief medical director of Baptist Medical Centre Okeho and the lady identified simply as Kafila were according to findings travelling along Okeho-Isemi road in a cab in Kajola local government area when they were abducted by gunmen, on Sunday July 23.
ogbomosoinsightonline.com recalls the Oke-Ogun area has been in the grip of kidnappers in recent times with many dead victims recorded.
Since last month Iseyin community near Okeho particularly has been thrown into fear as there was a surge in cases of kidnap for ransom and killings.
In a statement a socio-economic organisation, Iseyin Youths Development Group (IYDG), Monday while calling on Oyo state governor Engr Seyi Makinde to wade into the unduly delay over the selection of a new Aseyin, lamented the increased rate of kidnapping in the zone.
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“This is a period when a qualified Oba is needed on the throne in the interest of Iseyinland and its environs. Apart from the insecurity ravaging Òkè Ògùn that requires a quick collaboration of Òkè Ògùn Obas to address; this is a period major decisions will be taken in the state and at the federal level, of which Aseyin should be physically present.”
The matter was also raised in the Oyo State House of Assembly Tuesday by member representing Kajola state constituency, Hon Musibau Azeez in a Matter of Urgent Public Importance.
Hon Azeez stated “that the rate of insecurity, especially kidnapping in recent times in Oyo state is alarming. It has become a matter of major concern that requires urgent attention. Despite the efforts of the administration of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde in providing necessary logistics and support for security Agencies to work with in making sure that crime is reduced to the bearest minimum in Oyo State, It is quite unfortunate and disturbing that some wicked elements are bent on destabilizing the peace and tranquility being enjoyed and also rubbish the efforts put in place by the Government from time to time.”
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The legislator further noted, ”Aware that despite the frantic efforts of Security Agents, nobody could trace the whereabouts of the two victims and no phone call has been heard from the kidnappers to request for ransom or otherwise.
”The unwholesome and negative occurrence has threatened peace, security and economy of Okeho, Kajola Local Government and the State. If care is not taken, this may send negative signals to local and foreign investors who are willing to partner with Oyo State thereby having negative effect on our economy. Observes that people living in Okeho in Oke – Ogun Area of the State now live in panic and fear, farmers are afraid of going to farm, people are afraid of being engaged in their daily business activities because of fear of being killed or kidnapped. Cases of such kidnapping were recently reported in Iseyin area in Oke Ogun where people paid huge amount of money as ransom to rescue their people from the hands of these nefarious individuals despite the hard times being experienced in the country.”
The House consequently advocated synergy among security forces and improved surveillance to arrest the degenerating security situation in the state while calling on the Commissioner of Police in Oyo state and other security agencies to urgently swing into action and secure the release of Dr D.O Lawal and the young lady, Kafilat.
The lawmakers also urged the Adhoc Committee on Security to quicken action towards organizing a security summit that would serve as a platform for all the security agencies in the state to deliberate on the security challenges facing the state and proffer necessary solutions.
This is as it called on the executive arm to ensure installation of CCTV cameras, security light and other gadgets in strategic locations across the state “in order to expose or identify faces of criminals in the State.”
