News
How I’ve Been Running for My Life – Kidnap Victim Rescued by Amotekun, Local Vigilantes on Ibadan-Ore Expressway
Men of the Western Nigeria Security Network, also known as Amotekun, in collaboration with local vigilantes, rescued a kidnapped victim, Mrs. Josephine Chinedu, on the Ore-Ibadan Expressway while she was being transported to an unknown location.
The Commandant of the Oyo State Western Nigeria Security Network Codenamed Amotekun, General Bashir Adewinbi (Rtd), while Speaking on Their Operations, Chain of Command and Recent Issues said, Mrs Josephine, who was kidnapped in Lagos and being taken to the East on December 26, 2024, was rescued as a result of the information received from residents of Oyo state.
Mrs Josephine shared her harrowing experience, stating that she has been on the run for her life from various attacks by unknown gunmen across multiple states.
Narrating her ordeal to newsmen Josephine said, “I have been chased from Lagos to Abia, Akwa Ibom, and Delta states. I was running for my life, and despite all my efforts to stay hidden, I was eventually kidnapped. Only God knows where they were taking me, but I thank God I’ve been rescued by Amotekun and local vigilantes.”
Her husband, Mr. Chinedu Amaefule, who has since fled to Canada was interviewed over the phone through a WhatsApp conversation initiated by his mother in-law by our correspondent shared a detailed account of how their family had been targeted since 2020 by unknown gunmen. He recounted how his father was killed in their village in Abia State after he was mistakenly identified by the attackers who found his lost driver’s license.
According to him, it all started when he visited his family in Warri, Delta State, and then his father in Abia. On his way back, he was ambushed by men dressed in Nigerian police uniforms.
“They flagged me down on the highway. They were heavily armed and shot into the air. I was scared. I thought they were real officers, so I stopped. But they accused me of being one of the unknown gunmen and a Yahoo boy.”
He narrated how they forced him out of his Toyota Sienna, took him into the forest, and later used his car to carry out attacks on other groups in the area.
“They said they needed a space wagon that could carry their team, and unfortunately, my car was perfect. They left me in the forest and returned after carrying out their attacks. They handed me back my car but took my driver’s license and some items. I was lucky to escape with my life.”
Chinedu said he relocated his family from Warri to Lagos and later to a remote village in Akwa Ibom after receiving multiple death threats from the unknown gunmen. However, his wife was later kidnapped while fleeing to Lagos with their children after she unknowingly turned on her phone after having a banking appointment which was tracked by the assailants.
Josephine, speaking about her ordeal, said the kidnappers repeatedly threatened to kill her and her family.
“They told me they would find us anywhere in Nigeria. They said they have men in the police, army, and everywhere. They promised to cut off my husband’s head and take my children as slaves,” she said.
The turning point came when Amotekun and vigilante operatives intercepted the kidnappers on the Ore-Ibadan Expressway during a routine patrol. A shootout ensued, and the kidnappers fled into the bush, abandoning their victims.
The Commander of the Amotekun Corps in the area confirmed the rescue, saying their vigilance on major highways has reduced the activities of criminal elements in the region.
Josephine and her children are now receiving medical attention and counseling.
Authorities have advised Mr. Chinedu and his family to remain vigilant, as investigations continue to identify and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Chinedu, now living in fear for his family’s safety, pleaded with the government to strengthen security measures and bring an end to the menace of kidnappings and killings by unknown gunmen in the country.
“I thank God for saving my family. The trauma is unbearable, but we are grateful to be alive,” he added.
However, his family is not out of the woods as they continue to live in fear of another attack due to continued threats by these assailants.
The Commandant of the Oyo State Western Nigeria Security Network Codenamed Amotekun, General Bashir Adewinbi (Rtd), while Speaking on Their Operations, Chain of Command and Recent Issues said, Mrs Josephine, who was kidnapped in Lagos and being taken to the East on December 26, 2024, was rescued as a result of the information received from residents of Oyo state.
Mrs Josephine shared her harrowing experience, stating that she has been on the run for her life from various attacks by unknown gunmen across multiple states.
Narrating her ordeal to newsmen Josephine said, “I have been chased from Lagos to Abia, Akwa Ibom, and Delta states. I was running for my life, and despite all my efforts to stay hidden, I was eventually kidnapped. Only God knows where they were taking me, but I thank God I’ve been rescued by Amotekun and local vigilantes.”
Her husband, Mr. Chinedu Amaefule, who has since fled to Canada was interviewed over the phone through a WhatsApp conversation initiated by his mother in-law by our correspondent shared a detailed account of how their family had been targeted since 2020 by unknown gunmen. He recounted how his father was killed in their village in Abia State after he was mistakenly identified by the attackers who found his lost driver’s license.
According to him, it all started when he visited his family in Warri, Delta State, and then his father in Abia. On his way back, he was ambushed by men dressed in Nigerian police uniforms.
“They flagged me down on the highway. They were heavily armed and shot into the air. I was scared. I thought they were real officers, so I stopped. But they accused me of being one of the unknown gunmen and a Yahoo boy.”
He narrated how they forced him out of his Toyota Sienna, took him into the forest, and later used his car to carry out attacks on other groups in the area.
“They said they needed a space wagon that could carry their team, and unfortunately, my car was perfect. They left me in the forest and returned after carrying out their attacks. They handed me back my car but took my driver’s license and some items. I was lucky to escape with my life.”
Chinedu said he relocated his family from Warri to Lagos and later to a remote village in Akwa Ibom after receiving multiple death threats from the unknown gunmen. However, his wife was later kidnapped while fleeing to Lagos with their children after she unknowingly turned on her phone after having a banking appointment which was tracked by the assailants.
Josephine, speaking about her ordeal, said the kidnappers repeatedly threatened to kill her and her family.
“They told me they would find us anywhere in Nigeria. They said they have men in the police, army, and everywhere. They promised to cut off my husband’s head and take my children as slaves,” she said.
The turning point came when Amotekun and vigilante operatives intercepted the kidnappers on the Ore-Ibadan Expressway during a routine patrol. A shootout ensued, and the kidnappers fled into the bush, abandoning their victims.
The Commander of the Amotekun Corps in the area confirmed the rescue, saying their vigilance on major highways has reduced the activities of criminal elements in the region.
Josephine and her children are now receiving medical attention and counseling.
Authorities have advised Mr. Chinedu and his family to remain vigilant, as investigations continue to identify and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Chinedu, now living in fear for his family’s safety, pleaded with the government to strengthen security measures and bring an end to the menace of kidnappings and killings by unknown gunmen in the country.
“I thank God for saving my family. The trauma is unbearable, but we are grateful to be alive,” he added.
However, his family is not out of the woods as they continue to live in fear of another attack due to continued threats by these assailants.
