Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, on Friday, commended the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for their swift and decisive action in rescuing Mrs. Folashade Odumosu, the wife of retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Hakeem Odumosu, after she was kidnapped earlier this month.
On January 16, the victim was abducted by four masked men outside her home in Arepo, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State. Reports say the assailants dragged her from her sport utility vehicle (SUV) and ferried her to an undisclosed location through a swampy area.
The Ogun State Police Command quickly launched an investigation into the incident, deploying officers to track the kidnappers. On Thursday, Muyiwa Adejobi, the force spokesperson, announced the successful rescue of Mrs. Odumosu. The operation also resulted in the neutralization of the kidnappers, the recovery of weapons, and the retrieval of the ransom they had demanded.
Reacting to the news in a post on X (formerly Twitter), Obi praised the police for their professionalism and efficiency but called for similar energy in addressing cases involving ordinary Nigerians, whose plights often go unnoticed.
“I commend the Nigeria Police for their swift and effective response in rescuing Mrs. Folashade Odumosu,” Obi wrote. “The operation, conducted within a week, highlights their capability to act decisively when motivated.”
He noted the precision of the rescue mission, which ensured the safe release of the victim without harm and dealt a significant blow to the kidnappers. Obi also praised the collaborative efforts of the Ogun State Police Command and the Force Headquarters, led by Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, in dismantling the criminal network behind the abduction.
However, Obi used the opportunity to draw attention to the plight of everyday Nigerians who fall victim to kidnappings but rarely receive the same level of urgency in rescue efforts.
“This success story underscores a critical point: with proper leadership, motivation, and adequate support from the top echelon of security agencies, the fight against crime can yield impressive results,” Obi said.
He added, “While celebrating this laudable achievement, I urge the Nigeria Police to extend the same level of urgency and professionalism to cases involving everyday Nigerians — those whose plights are often underreported or ignored. Many innocent citizens remain victims of abduction, languishing in captivity without rescue efforts reaching them.”