YAGBA WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL PRESS RELEASE

Yagba West Hunters Rescue Kidnapped Victim, Clear Criminal Hideout

Yagba West Local Government Hunters Group have successfully rescued Mr Adekunle Raphael Ola, a kidnapped victim from a criminal hideout and cleared the den of suspected kidnappers.

The victim, who hails from Ijumu Local Government Area, was abducted on Wednesday, January 15 around 8:00pm at his residence in Iyara. According to the victim, about seven AK47 armed kidnappers stormed his compound and forcefully entered his house, beat him and his wife, requested for money and subsequently took him away.

The Executive Chairman of Yagba West Local Government, Hon. Tosin Olokun, commended the local government hunters for their swift action, noting that their coordinated efforts to combat criminal activities within the area were yielding positive results.

He stated that the hunters, acting on intelligence, raided the hideout in the early hours of Monday, January 20. The operation led to the safe rescue of the victim and the neutralization of the hideout, which had been a base for criminal elements.

“The commitment of our local hunters and vigilante team to ensuring the safety of residents and travelers is commendable. Their bravery has restored hope in grassroots security architecture,” Olokun said.

“The rescued victim was formally handed over to the executive chairman of Ijumu local government on Tuesday by Yagba West local government supervisor for education and special duties, Hon Oluwafemi Victor Adeyeye, to reunite with his family. This is a testament to the strong collaboration among our local government areas in ensuring the security of lives and property,” Olokun said.

The victim, before his handingover had undergone medical evaluation, recounted the ordeal, describing the conditions at the kidnappers’ hideout as dehumanizing.

The Yagba West Local Government Council has reiterated its commitment to working with security agencies, hunters, and vigilantes to rid the area of criminal elements.

FocusNGR reports that the council has intensified security measures across border communities and major routes to curb the activities of kidnappers and other criminal syndicates.

Adeyemi Babarinde Sunday,
Chief Press Secretary, Yagba West Local Government Council

Tuesday, January 21, 2025.