The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) Governorship Campaign Council in Osun State, has congratulated the Governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde, the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Rilwan Disu, and the officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force over the successful rescue of Mrs Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul, younger sister of former Minister of Power, Oloye Adebayo Adelabu, and her two sons from the den of kidnappers.
The Council in a statement issued on Sunday by Ezekiel Olusegun Oladapo, of the Osun APM Campaign Council Media Directorate, described the rescue operation carried out on Saturday night in Ibadan after a gun duel between police operatives and the kidnappers as a major victory against criminal elements terrorising innocent citizens across the South-West.
The APM particularly commended the gallantry, professionalism and courage displayed by the police team led by CSP Moses Lohor, noting that the operation once again demonstrated the officer’s exceptional capacity in combating violent crimes and dismantling criminal networks.
He specifically thanked the Inspector-General of Police for redeploying CSP Lohor to the South-West to help rid the region of kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements threatening the safety of the people.
“It is gratifying to see the outstanding performance of CSP Moses Lohor and his team in securing the freedom of innocent citizens from the hands of kidnappers. The successful rescue operation further confirms the wisdom of the Inspector-General of Police in deploying experienced and fearless officers to confront the growing security challenges in the South-West,” he stated.
He, however, lamented what he described as the unfortunate circumstances that led to Lohor’s earlier transfer from Osun State despite what he said were the officer’s notable achievements in tackling criminality while serving as the head of the former Inspector-General of Police Special Squad in the state.
According to him, CSP Lohor led operations that resulted in the arrest of several criminal suspects and helped strengthen security across Osun State. He recalled that the officer also spearheaded the arrest of suspected criminal elements whose activities had generated widespread public concern.
He explained that Moses Lohor, while in Osun State, led a team that arrested the most wanted political thug allegedly working for PDP/Accord Party who after being arraigned in court and obtaining bail has jumped bail.
He said further that, “Lohor was also the officer who led a team who arrested one Nuru, suspect allegedly working under the government and till now walking free in the markets and on the streets despite police finding in his possession a British pistol with ammunition. ”
The APM Campaign Council expressed concern over what he described as persistent attempts of the Osun State Government led by Governor Ademola Adeleke to frustrate the redeployment of competent security personnel to Osun State at a time when residents desire stronger action against criminality.
“It is disheartening that Osun State Government has done everything to block the recent transfer of Lohor back to Osun State to clean the state of criminality, complaining that the IG of Police has sent Moses Lohor and his team to Osun State to assassinate the governor and leaders and members of his Accord party,” Oladepo complained.
“It is disheartening that allegations and accusations levelled against CSP Moses Lohor by the state actors are being made against a professional police officer whose only commitment has been the enforcement of the law and the protection of innocent citizens.
He maintained that only those who are uncomfortable with effective law enforcement would be troubled by the activities of disciplined and professional police officers carrying out their constitutional duties.
He expressed optimism that the successful rescue of Mrs Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her children would inspire security agencies to intensify efforts towards rescuing other victims currently in captivity, including the Ogbomosho abductees.
“With the successful rescue of Mrs Olaide Busayo Adegoke John-Paul and her two sons, it is our hope that all other citizens currently held by kidnappers, including the Ogbomosho captives, will soon regain their freedom and reunite with their families.
“No citizen, particularly innocent schoolchildren, deserves to remain in the custody of bandits and terrorists. The safety and freedom of every Nigerian must remain a priority for all levels of government and security agencies,” Oladapo stated.
