Kwara Police allays fear, rubbishes Ilorin Kidnappers’ den report

Following a report which had gained much traction in the social media that some unscrupulous elements in a hideout in Oko erin area of Ilorin were perpetrating kidnapping, the Kwara State Police Command has in a statement signed by its Police Public Relations Officer, Dsp Okesanmi Ajayi debunked such claim, labeling it a “false story.”

The statement read in parts, “The attention of Kwara State Police Command has been drawn to the false story of uncovering of a kidnappers’ den in Ilorin. This story has been in circulation especially in the social media in the past few days.

“The Command wishes to correct the distortion in the story and straighten the records.

“The fact of the case is that, on 21st of February 2020, information was received from Oko Erin community that there was a group of people suspected to be kidnappers in their community. The basis of this information was that one Wahab Rukayat ‘F’ aged 16yrs, who was sent on an errand by her mother was said to have gone missing. In the course of searching for her, she was found in the company of the said group of people who explained that they were networking marketers of GNLD products sharing flyers and giving training to prospective marketers who showed interest in the business.

“The alarm raised by her mother in the course of these events attracted the attention of many persons from whom the story of the people being suspected kidnappers emanated.

“On receipt of the information at the police station, detectives from ‘B’ Division, Surulere promptly moved to the scene which already was being crowded. Parties were immediately taken to the Divisional Police Headquarters, Surulere.

“Investigations, however, revealed that the people were, indeed, marketers of the popular GNLD brand who were carrying out networking training for interested members of the public. The 12 allegedly rescued victims who were young persons within the age range of 19 to 30 years made statements confirming this position. The said Rukayat had, on collecting one of their marketing flyers, abandoned her errand and joined the training exercise. This led to her mother’s assumption that she was missing and the ensuing misunderstanding and consequent events. The matter has therefore been resolved.

“It is in the light of this that the Kwara State Police Command is hereby advising members of the public to disregard the said story about the uncovering of a suspected kidnappers den in Ilorin. The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, Ag CP Kayode Egbetokun is by this medium, assuring everyone that the Police will continue to carry out its duties to maximum capacity in ensuring that Kwara State remains safe for people to live, work and visit.

“While assuring law-abiding citizens of their safety in the course of their day-to-day endeavours, criminally-minded individuals or groups are warned to desist from crime and any other activities likely to disturb the peace of the State or leave the state.

“Social media platforms are equally advised to at all times verify their stories before going public
The Comnand appreciates the people of Kwara state for their support and the commitment being shown to the philosophy of community policing in the state.” the PPRO added.