By Adeosun Christiana Pelumi (SIWES student, D S Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic)
On a fateful Wednesday night, the peace of Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, was shattered as Mr. Taiwo Oyekanmi, Finance and Accounts Director in Governor Dapo Abiodun’s office, became the target of a heinous crime. Ogun State’s Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, confirmed the tragic incident, revealing that Oyekanmi was fatally shot while returning from the bank after withdrawing funds for the state.
The chilling event transpired on the NNPC Bridge near Kuto, Abeokuta, where armed assailants intercepted Oyekanmi’s vehicle.
Accompanied by a driver and another individual, the director had undertaken the withdrawal in a makeshift bullion van, with the supposed provision for a police escort. However, unforeseen circumstances led to the absence of security personnel during the movement.
Alamutu detailed that the perpetrators blocked the vehicle on the bridge, opening fire on the director.
In a brazen act, they used a sledgehammer to force open the receptacle containing the withdrawn funds before fleeing the scene.
With no police escort present, the driver attempted to trail the robbers, losing sight of them near the Conference Hotel.
Critically wounded, Oyekanmi was rushed to the state hospital at Ijaye, where medical professionals pronounced him dead.
The absence of the police escort hindered immediate response and information dissemination.
The police commissioner pledged a thorough investigation, revealing efforts to obtain CCTV footage from the bank to aid in identifying the criminals.
Urgent measures were taken to secure exits from the state, and law enforcement agencies were mobilized to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, expressing profound shock and devastation, issued a statement through his Chief Press Secretary, Lekan Adeniran.
He described the incident as a colossal loss, praising Oyekanmi’s dedication and diligence.
The governor pledged swift action, directing all security agencies to apprehend the criminals and ensure they faced the full force of the law.
While extending condolences to the late director’s immediate family, the governor called for prayers and emphasized the commitment to safeguarding the state from such tragic occurrences.
The untimely demise of Oyekanmi resonates as a somber moment for his relatives, colleagues, and the government he faithfully served until his tragic end.
