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

According to a statement on Tuesday by the command’s spokesperson, Yusuf Abass, the incident occurred in the early hours of Monday along the Gbongan/Osogbo Road at Gbongan overhead bridge in Ayedaade Local Government Area.

He said the trailer, carrying forty tons of iron rods from Shagamu to Osogbo, was trailed by a Toyota corolla vehicle from Ikire at around 1:00 am., adding that armed men attempted to intercept the truck.

“Upon reaching the Gbongan overhead bridge, he was intercepted by four armed men who approached the moving truck, posing as task force officers and demanding a waybill from the driver. The driver, noticing their suspicious behaviour, quickly realised that something was amiss,” he said.

“The driver recounted the words of one of the armed men, saying, ‘Let us do what we want to do quickly before people start coming out.’ He was assaulted while holding the trailer’s steering wheel, as he refused to surrender the vehicle.

“During the struggle, his apprentice’s phone was forcibly taken, and several others attempted to wrest control of the wheel from him and collect his phone, the driver managed to push the armed men, causing them and the apprentice to fall into the nearby bush.

“Seizing the moment, he began shouting to draw the attention of people nearby and then fled into the bush.”

While hiding, Abass stated that the trailer driver called his boss, who promptly informed the Corps Commander of the Osun Amotekun Corps, Isaac Omoyele who promptly alerted the command in Ayedaade Local Government, which responded swiftly, foiling the attack, rescuing the driver and his apprentice, and securing the 40 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 earnestly 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 throughout the state.”