Slain Ogun govt official was shot on thigh, private part by armed robbers – Police

Late Taiwo Oyekanmi

….We”ll smoke out the culprits 

Damilola Ajibola

The Ogun State Police Command has said that the armed robbers who attacked a bullion van belonging to the State Government, shot at the Director of Finance and Administration, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Taiwo Oyekanmi, on the thigh, private part, which resulted into his death.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Omolola Odutola, in a statement on Wednesday night, said the Command, had commenced investigation into the incident.

Odutola said the bullion van marked X Pilot 13, was attacked at the overhead bridge in Kuto inward Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, and was conveying the deceased, the driver, Olalekan Akintoye and one Peter Samson.

News Contact Online gathered that the van which had no Police escort, at the time of the incident, was carrying an unspecified amount of cash collected from Fidelity Bank and Sterling Bank in Abeokuta. 

The PPRO said that the victim was rushed to the General Hospital, Ijaye, for medical attention, where he breathed his last.

The statement reads, “Following a report  of date that suspected armed robbery attack took place on November 29, 2023. The incident involved a mini bullion van belonging to the office of the Director of Finance and Administration, Governor’s Office in Oke Mosan Abeokuta.

“The bullion van, registered under the number X pilot 13, was transporting the Director of Finance, Taiwo Oyenekan, along with the driver, Olalekan Akintoye, and Peter Samson. 

“The van was carrying an unspecified amount of cash collected from Fidelity Bank and Sterling Bank in Abeokuta. It is worth noting that the bullion van was lacking security escort at the time of the incident.

“During the attack, the bullion van was dangerously intercepted on the Kuto Overhead Bridge by yet to be identified five armed men. These suspects were armed with AK-47 rifles and were traveling in an unregistered silver Toyota Corolla, and suddenly they trapped the Bullion van by double crossing it. The armed men first interrogated the driver if they have rifles in the vehicle and specifically inquired about the identity of the Director of Finance. In a display of anger, the armed men fired shots at the front door of the vehicle, where the director was seated.

“As a result of the attack, the Director of Finance sustained bullet wounds on his thigh and private part, he was rushed to State Hospital, where he later gave up the ghost. The driver and other occupants of the robbery attack remain unharmed. At present, no arrests have been made; however, efforts are underway to apprehend the suspects who fled the scene.

“The incident is currently under investigation , by Ibara Police Station, and will be transferred to State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation. 

“The Commissioner of Police  ,CP Alamutu Abiodun Mustapha is reassuring residents of Ogun State not to panic or fear as the situation is under control, operatives are working diligently to gather more information that will bring the perpetrators to justice.”

…Governor Abiodun commiserates with Oyekanmi’s family

  Meanwhile, the Ogun State Governor,  Prince Dapo Abiodun, has commiserated with the family of  Mr Taiwo Oyekanmi,  the late  Director of Finance and Accounts,  in the office of the Governor, who was killed in cold blood by suspected armed robbers on Wednesday in Abeokuta,  the state capital. 

Oyekanmi was on official assignment within the metropolis when he met his untimely death in the hands of his assailants.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor,  Lekan Adeniran.

Abiodun described the incident as a rude shock to him, as he called for prayers for the immediate family of the late director for them to have the necessary fortitude to bear the great loss.

“I was devastated  and extremely shocked upon receiving the cold-blooded murder of Oyekanmi, in the hands of criminal elements and enemies of our State.

“It is indeed a collosal loss for our administration to have lost such dedicated, truthful, and diligent official; his assailants have murdered sleep and will be flushed out immediately from wherever they might be hiding.

“I have directed all security agencies in the State to smoke the criminals  out instantly and make them to face the full wrath of the law. I therefore  want to assure the entire workforce and residents in the state that never will such calamity befall our dear state again. 

“I pray for the repose of his soul and for God’s protection over the family he left behind. Obviously,  he is going to be sorely missed by his colleagues and the government he meritoriously served till death,” the statement read.

Meanwhile, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, on Wednesday evening, led a government delegation to the deceased house to commiserate with his family.