An operative of the Ogun State Community, Social Orientation and Safety Corps (So-Safe Corps), SC Saheed Ogunrinde, has been shot dead by suspected kidnappers.
The late Ogunrinde, who was So-Safe Area Operations Officer in-charge of the Corps’ Special Team in Owode-Egba in the Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of the state, had led his team, in collaboration with police detectives, to rescue two kidnapped victims when the hoodlums opened fire that hit him dead.
The Corps Commander, Soji Ganzallo, disclosed in a press statement issued by his Director of Information and Public Relations, AC Moruf Yusuf that, the Corps received information on May 30, to the effect that kidnappers, at Orile-Imo in Abeokuta, had abducted two victims and two others still in their captivity.
On that premise, Ganzallo said, “The So-Safe Corps Special Team, Owode-Egba Area Command, led by the Area Operations Officer, SC Saheed Ogunrinde, and the Police team, embarked on a mission to rescue the remaining two kidnapped victims unhurt, an effort that yielded no result.
“The rescue team went back to the area the following day, in continuation of the search operation, which extended to the Interchange axis, an indication that they were itching closer to the kidnappers’ enclave for their capture.
Embittered Ganzallo said that, “On sighting the joint security team, the suspected kidnappers opened fire, and the bullet hit the operation leader of the So-Safe Corps, SC Saheed Ogunrinde, who fell and died as a result of much loss of blood from the bullet wound.
“His rifle and phone were carted away by the syndicate. Efforts are ongoing to capture the criminal suspects and recover the items from them”, the Corps Commader assured.
He added that the remains of the slain operative, whom he described as an hero, had been taken to his residence at Ajura, Orile-Imo, and had buried according to the Muslim rites.
Ganzallo commiserated with the family for the great loss and prayed that Almighty Allah, who giveth and taketh life, gives the family, friends, and loved ones, including the So-Safe family, fortitude to bear the loss.
He, however, reiterated the commitment of the So-Safe Corps to ensuring the security of all law abiding citizens of the state, adding that, “their security and safety remains the priority of the Agency.
“This ugly incident will not deter us from performing our statutory mandate of securing the lives and properties of the citizenry. We are not going to rest on our oars until these criminals say good bye to our land”, Ganzallo said.
