Kidnapping survivors urge government to better support police

Victims of a kidnapping in Ogbere, Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, have called on the Federal Government to better equip the police and improve their welfare. They were rescued by a joint security effort from Ogun and Lagos State called "Operation Kosaye."

Mr Jimoh Gbadamosi and a woman named Temiloluwa made their plea on Saturday while talking to reporters at the Police Training School in Iperu-Remo. They were among five victims saved from kidnappers in Ogbere forest on Friday.

Temiloluwa shared that she works as an IT officer for a private company in Edo State. She was on her way to Lagos to start her annual leave when their vehicle was ambushed by kidnappers. She said, "The incident happened on Thursday, June 25. I was traveling with two other senior officers. We all work in the same company. The man driving is a senior manager and the one sitting in front is an Engineer. I was going home to enjoy my leave."

She continued, "When we reached Ogbere around 4pm, we heard gunshots. There was a vehicle in front of us and another behind us. In the chaos, the vehicles hit each other. I hit my head on the front seat and lost a tooth. The driver managed to escape, but the Engineer could not run because he saw I was covered in blood."

Temiloluwa explained that the kidnappers took her belongings, including her bracelet, wristwatch, and cash. They forced the victims into the bush and made them walk for about four hours. She said they were asked to call their families for a ransom of N20 million. On Friday around 4pm, they heard gunshots and saw the kidnappers fleeing.

"At first, we didn't know what was happening. We were looking for safety. Eventually, someone gathered the courage and found out it was the police. I couldn't believe it. We always thought the police were not effective, but when I saw them in numbers, I was speechless. I had prayed to God to take me if I was going to die."

She praised the police for their care after the rescue and urged both the federal and state governments to do more for the police. "They need better pay and allowances. Their equipment must be top-notch because they risk their lives for us. The government must rise up and boost the morale of the police to help them do more for citizens."

Mr Gbadamosi also praised the police for their quick response, stating it was remarkable to be rescued in less than a day. He said, "I never thought a rescue like this could happen in Nigeria. The police that came to rescue us were over 300."

He added, "We need to change how we think about the police. They put their lives on the line for us. Whether it rains or shines, they are there. The Federal Government must improve their welfare. Some police retire without pensions, and many die on duty without proper compensation. All of this must change. The police need better support from everyone for our collective security."