Gunmen stormed a hotel in Ode-Omu, Ayedaade Local Government Area of Osun State in the early hours of Saturday, robbing lodgers and carting away valuable items including a Toyota Matrix vehicle and six LG 42-inch television sets.
The victims, who had travelled from Lagos to attend a funeral ceremony in the town, were attacked by the armed assailants who forcefully took away their belongings as well as property belonging to the hospitality facility.
The stolen Toyota Matrix was reportedly valued at approximately N7 million, while the televisions were estimated to be worth over N3 million.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by the Public Relations Officer of the Osun Amotekun Corps, Yusuf Abass, the victims promptly reported the incident to the Corps’ Command in Ayedaade Local Government, Gbongan.
Acting swiftly, operatives from both the local and state commands launched a coordinated tracking operation.
The recovery mission led to a high-risk gun duel between the robbers and Amotekun operatives in Ogere, Ogun State, with support from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ogere Command.
The robbers, overwhelmed by the pressure, abandoned the stolen vehicle and television sets in a nearby bush. Some of the suspects are believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds.
Corps Commander of Osun Amotekun, Adekunle Omoyele, confirmed the successful recovery and praised the operatives for their bravery and effectiveness. He also commended the FRSC Ogere Command for their collaborative efforts during the operation.
“This recovery is a testament to our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of citizens in Osun State,” Omoyele stated. “We remain resolute in ensuring that criminals find no safe haven within our jurisdiction.”
The recovered items were returned to Osun State and officially handed over to their rightful owners at the Amotekun Headquarters Operations Base in Osogbo on Monday by Operations Commander Olagunju Joseph.
Mr. Olanrewaju Omololu, owner of the stolen Toyota Matrix, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the efforts of the Amotekun Corps. “They acted swiftly without demanding any money from us. Their grassroots presence and effectiveness are commendable,” he said.
Mr. Oyelami Nurudeen, whose televisions were recovered, also praised the operatives’ prompt response and urged residents of Osun to continue supporting the Corps in its crime-fighting efforts.
Commander Omoyele advised the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities in their communities.
“Security is a collective responsibility. Our doors are always open to receive intelligence and reports from the public,” he added. “Osun Amotekun Corps will continue to work tirelessly to protect lives and property across the state.”
