By Kolawole Ojebisi
The Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has asked the Nigeria Police Force to extend similar urgency and professionalism displayed by its officers which led to the rescue of wife of retired Assistant Inspector-General, Hakeem Odumosu, from clutches of kidnappers to cases involving ordinary Nigerians.
Obi, who commended the police for the prompt rescue of Odumosu’s wife, said the plights of victims of kidnapping who are ordinary Nigerians are often handled with levity with security agents.
Obi said this on his official X handle on Friday.
“I commend the Nigeria Police for their swift and effective response in rescuing Mrs. Folashade Odumosu, the wife of retired AIG Hakeem Odumosu, who was kidnapped just a few days ago,” Obi wrote.
“The operation, conducted within a week, highlights their capability to act decisively when motivated.
“What stands out is the precision with which the rescue mission was executed. It not only led to the safe release of the victim, unharmed, but also resulted in the neutralisation of some kidnappers, the recovery of weapons, and the retrieval of the ransom. Such a professional outcome deserves high praise.
“The Ogun State Police Command expressed gratitude for the technical support and cooperation received from the Force Headquarters and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
“The IGP, who displayed exceptional interest in the case, commended the Ogun Command for dismantling the criminal network behind the abduction.
“This success story underscores a critical point: with proper leadership, motivation, and adequate support from the top echelon of security agencies, the fight against crime can yield impressive results.
“As the country continues to grapple with rising cases of kidnapping and related crimes, this incident offers hope.
“It proves that these issues can be tackled effectively if security personnel are well-resourced, supported, and committed to their responsibilities.
“While celebrating this laudable achievement, I urge the Nigeria Police to extend the same level of urgency and professionalism to cases involving everyday Nigerians — those whose plights are often underreported or ignored.
“Many innocent citizens remain victims of abduction, languishing in captivity without rescue efforts reaching them.” the former Anambra State governor added.
Recall that on January 16, Odumosu’s wife was whisked away by four masked men while entering her home in Arepo, Obafemi Owode LGA of Ogun state.
The abductors reportedly took the former AIG’s wife through a swampy area to an unknown destination after dragging her out of her sport utility vehicle (SUV).
In the wake of the abduction, the police command in Ogun said it had deployed officers to investigate the incident.
However, on Thursday, Muyiwa Adejobi, force spokesperson, announced that operatives rescued the victim and subsequently neutralised the kidnappers, recovering the ransom and weapons in the process.
