By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

In a swift response to criminal activity, the Osun State Security Network Agency, codenamed Amotekun Corps, successfully foiled an attempted armed robbery on a trailer transporting iron rods valued at approximately ₦50 million.

The incident occurred yesterday along the Gbongan/Osogbo Road, at the Gbongan overhead bridge in Ayedaade Local Government area of the state.

The trailer, carrying forty tons of iron rods from Shagamu to Osogbo, was reportedly trailed by an unidentified Toyota Corolla vehicle from Ikire. At around 1:00 a.m., armed men attempted to intercept the truck.

Upon reaching the Gbongan overhead bridge, the driver was approached by four armed men who posed as task force officers and demanded to see the vehicle’s waybill. Sensing something was wrong, the driver became suspicious.

According to the driver, one of the assailants said, “Let us do what we want to do quickly before people start coming out.” He was then assaulted while still holding the trailer’s steering wheel, as he refused to surrender the vehicle.

During the struggle, the apprentice’s phone was forcibly taken. Several of the assailants also attempted to seize the driver’s phone and take control of the truck.

Our correspondent learnt that in the ensuing scuffle, the driver managed to push the attackers, causing them—and the apprentice—to fall into a nearby bush. Seizing the opportunity, the driver began shouting to attract attention and then fled into the bush.

While in hiding, he contacted his employer, who promptly informed the Corps Commander of the Osun Amotekun Corps, Dr. Hon. Adekunle Isaac Omoyele.

The Commander immediately alerted the Amotekun Command in Ayedaade Local Government, which responded swiftly—foiling the attack, rescuing the driver and his apprentice, and securing the forty tons of iron rods valued at ₦50 million.

Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Jimoh commended the Amotekun Corps for their bravery and prompt action, which saved both his life and the valuable cargo from falling into the hands of the assailants.

He appealed to the state government to further strengthen and empower the Osun Amotekun Corps, enabling them to carry out their duties with maximum efficiency and effectiveness.

The Amotekun Corps remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property while upholding a zero-tolerance stance on crime across the state.

Speaking with newsmen, the Amotekun Commander, Dr. Isaac Omoyele, commended his men for their bravery and urged members of the public to assist the corps with useful and necessary information to curb crime in the state.

He warned criminal-minded individuals to steer clear of the state or be ready to face the full weight of the law.