The Kwara state Police command, on Sunday, said that it has not uncovered any kidnappers’ den in Ilorin, the state capital contrary to viral reports on the internet.

The Command said that what has been in circulation and referred to as kidnappers hideout in Oko-Erin area of the town is a training place for GNLD marketers.

A statement signed by the Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, Ajayi Okasanmi said that though an alarm was raised by some people in Oko-Erin area, Ilorin on Saturday alleging that there was a group of suspected kidnappers in the community based on an alarm raised by a woman that her daughter, Wahab Rukayat who was sent on errand was missing.

The Police said that when it men delved into the matter, what was discovered was a training place for the GNLD marketers and the suspects found there were GNLD marketers with their fliers.

According to the Police,

“the fact of the case is that, on 21st of February 2020, information was received from Oko Erin community that there was a group of people suspected to be kidnappers in their community. The basis of this information was that one Wahab Rukayat ‘F’ aged 16yrs, who was sent on an errand by her mother was said to have gone missing. In the course of searching for her, she was found in the company of the said group of people who explained that they were networking marketers of GNLD products sharing flyers and giving training to prospective marketers who showed interest in the business.

“The alarm raised by her mother in the course of these events attracted the attention of many persons from whom the story of the people being suspected kidnappers emanated.

“On receipt of the information at the police station, detectives from ‘B’ Division, Surulere promptly moved to the scene which already was being crowded. Parties were immediately taken to the Divisional Police Headquarters, Surulere.

“Investigations, however, revealed that the people were, indeed, marketers of the popular GNLD brand who were carrying out networking training for interested members of the public. The 12 allegedly rescued victims who were young persons within the age range of 19 to 30 years made statements confirming this position.

“The said Rukayat had, on collecting one of their marketing flyers, abandoned her errand and joined the training exercise. This led to her mother’s assumption that she was missing and the ensuing misunderstanding and consequent events. The matter has therefore been resolved”, the statement said.

“It is in the light of this that the Kwara State Police Command is hereby advising members of the public to disregard the said story about the uncovering of a suspected kidnappers den in Ilorin.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Kayode Egbetokun assured that the Police would continue to carry out its duties to maximum capacity in ensuring that Kwara State remains safe for people to live, work and visit.

While assuring law-abiding citizens of their safety in the course of their day-to-day endeavours, Egbetokun warned criminally-minded individuals or groups to desist from crime and any other activities likely to disturb the peace of the State or leave the state.

He also advised Social media platforms to at all times verify their stories before relaying it to members of the public.

Okasanmi said that the Command appreciates the people of Kwara state for their support and the commitment being shown to the philosophy of community policing in the state.