Tragedy struck along the Ibadan–Ago-Iwoye Expressway on Saturday evening as suspected kidnappers opened fire on commuters, killing a female officer of the Man O’ War Nigeria, Dasola Sanusi.
It was gathered that the attack occurred around 6:30 pm near the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria axis when gunmen launched a sudden attack on vehicles plying the busy route linking Oyo and Ogun states.
Sources disclosed that the attackers fired sporadically at moving vehicles, throwing passengers into panic as motorists scrambled for safety.
A group of Man O’ War officers returning from an outing in Ibadan was caught in the ambush, with several sustaining gunshot injuries while attempting to escape.
Despite the gunfire, the officers reportedly manoeuvred out of the danger zone and rushed to a hospital in Ago-Iwoye for treatment.
Sanusi, however, was confirmed dead on arrival, while another officer identified as Emmanuel is currently receiving medical care for gunshot wounds. Two other female officers were said to have been hospitalised due to trauma.
Confirming the incident, the National Public Relations Officer of the organisation, Ibrahim Bello, said investigations were ongoing.
“We are still investigating. The incident occurred between Oyo and Ogun states. A female officer died in the attack,” he stated.
Also, the Oyo State Police Command, through its spokesperson, Olayinka Ayanlade, described the incident as an attempted kidnapping.
According to him, police operatives swiftly responded to distress calls, forcing the attackers to abandon their operation without abducting any victims.
He added that the injured were rescued and taken to medical facilities, though one of the victims later died from injuries sustained during the attack.
The police spokesperson noted that some victims were moved into neighbouring Ogun State for treatment, adding that full details of casualties were still being compiled.
The latest attack has heightened concerns over the rising insecurity along inter-state highways, particularly the Ibadan–Ago-Iwoye corridor, which has witnessed repeated incidents of armed attacks in recent months.