Ogun State Director of Finance Murdered in Highway Ambush; Robbers Make Off with Government Cash

In a shocking incident on Wednesday, armed robbers reportedly killed Taiwo Oyekanmi, the Director of Finance at the governor’s office in Ogun state, during a highway attack. The assailants intercepted Oyekanmi’s homemade bullion van shortly after he left a Fidelity Bank branch in Abeokuta, the state capital.

Eyewitnesses revealed that the criminals ambushed the van on the overhead bridge in the Kuto area, firing at Oyekanmi and other occupants. The attackers used a sledgehammer to forcefully open the bullion van’s door, making off with a significant amount of government funds.

In response to the tragedy, Commissioner of Police Abiodun Alamutu disclosed that the government account officer had visited the bank without a police escort. An investigation is underway, with the police collecting CCTV footage from the bank to aid in identifying the perpetrators.

Alamutu explained, “After making the withdrawal, and on their way back to the office, they were accosted. A vehicle blocked them on top of the bridge, five occupants of the vehicle came down, shot at the director, and from their vehicle, they brought out a sledgehammer to force the receptacle where the money was kept open and they left with the money.”

The slain director was rushed to Ijaye hospital but succumbed to his injuries. Governor Dapo Abiodun expressed his deep sorrow, describing Oyekanmi as a dedicated and diligent official. The governor vowed to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent such tragedies from recurring in the state.

“I have been in contact with all security agencies, directing them to immediately locate and apprehend the criminals responsible,” Governor Abiodun declared.

This tragic event underscores the need for heightened security measures to safeguard public officials and government resources, prompting concerns over the vulnerability of financial transactions during transit.