A tanker driver identified simply as Salami Ambali has reportedly been attacked by suspected hoodlums in the Idimogun Ogijo area of Ogun State.
We gathered that the victim, who is a resident of Idimu Area of Ejigbo, Ikotun Lagos, was driving a Mack tanker lorry with the number plate T-10440 LAX when he was attacked by the suspected hoodlums.
An eyewitness who did not want to be mentioned for fear of retribution told PUNCH Metro that the petrol tanker was filled with product when the vehicle was ambushed by the suspects, who used a wheelbarrow to prevent the driver from escaping shortly before arriving at Idimogun in Ogijo.
Our correspondent further learnt that the driver was scheduled to deliver the PMS product at one Azabat Filling Station, a fuel station not far from the spot where he was ambushed.
Sighting the hoodlums who had crossed his route with a wheelbarrow, Ambali was said to have attempted to escape to the filling station, where he was attacked and left with a cut on his right hand.
Following receipt of the intelligence about the attack, the Ogijo Police Division, led by Awode Olatunde, was said to have stormed the scene with all of its resources and was able to capture two of the suspects.
Contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident to our correspondent on Thursday.
Odutola identified the suspects who attacked the victim as Faruq Idris, 36; and Adegbola Lala, 30, adding that they would be charged to court.
She said, “The driver was attacked shortly before arriving at Idimogun in Ogijo when he was driving a truck loaded with petroleum motor spirit that was intended to be delivered to the Azabat Filling Station in Ogijo.
“The alleged street urchin gave him (driver) a hard pursuit to Azabat Filling Station in Idimogun when he finally managed to escape the ambush, suffering a serious wound on his right hand.
“Further investigation is ongoing, and the suspects will be duly charged to court.”