Seven passengers travelling in a commercial vehicle were kidnapped on Saturday by gunmen along the Obbo-Aiyegunle/Osi Road in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The victims were on their way from Abuja to Offa in a Toyota Sienna vehicle belonging to Olumoh Express transport company when the attackers struck between 5pm and 6pm.
The kidnappers, however, spared three children who were travelling with their abducted parents. The eldest of the children later reported the incident to the transport company in Offa.
Confirming the attack, the secretary of the company, Mr Mukaila Ogunlade, said, “The incident truly happened. In fact, we are just coming from Osi Police Station. The bus left the park with five passengers, but the oldest of the children that were left behind told us that two more people later joined them on the way. Presently, we are looking for seven people.”
The police also confirmed the abduction in a statement released on Sunday by the spokesperson of the Kwara State Police Command, SP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi.
“Armed hoodlums numbering about eight reportedly intercepted a Sienna bus registered FFA 50XD, heading to Offa from Abuja, and forcefully abducted seven occupants, including the driver,” the statement read.
She added that police officers and local vigilantes quickly responded and recovered the vehicle. During a search of the nearby bush, three children between the ages of two and twelve were found and rescued safely.
“One of the children was able to give the police detailed information of her guardian, who was contacted, and the three rescued children have been reunited with their relatives,” the statement said.
The police said efforts to rescue the kidnapped passengers are ongoing through intelligence gathering, bush combing, and investigations.
Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, assured residents of the command’s commitment to their safety and urged anyone with helpful information to contact the police.
