Local vigilante teams and police officers from the anti-kidnapping unit have rescued a group of 20 travelers who were abducted on Friday morning by a ten-man gang along the Osi/Obbo Ayegunle road in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The gunmen who are still at large reportedly intercepted a Toyota Hiace and two other vehicles traveling towards Ekiti State.
They ordered all the passengers out of the buses and took them into the thick forests nearby, demanding a ransom.
The passengers’ bags and other belongings were left scattered on the road, causing other travelers to avoid the area in fear.
Late on Friday, the rescue operation was successfully carried out. Three of the passengers who sustained gunshot injuries during the rescue were rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention.
In a statement on Saturday afternoon, the Kwara State Police Command confirmed the incident.
The Spokesperson, Ejire Adeyemi Adetoun, said, “The Kwara State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of an incident of abduction and successful rescue operation carried out on 16th August 2024.”
The statement added, “On the said date, at about 1500 hours, information was received by the command that gunmen numbering about ten had ambushed three vehicles along the Osi/Obbo-Aiyegunle road. The gunmen abducted the passengers, numbering twenty, from three commercial vehicles and forcefully led them into the surrounding bush.”
It further explained that “upon receipt of this distress call, the Kwara State Police Command, in collaboration with local vigilantes, swiftly mobilized the divisional patrol team and other tactical teams who launched a thorough search operation. The operation took place within the dense forest area between Obbo-Aiyegunle and Obbo-Ile.”
Through the combined efforts of the police detectives, vigilantes, and community members, the victims were safely rescued. “It is with great relief that we report the safe return of these individuals,” the statement noted.
However, the search for the perpetrators continues. The statement assured the public that “the Commissioner of Police, CP Victor Olaiya, psc(+), wishes to assure the public that the search for the perpetrators is still ongoing. Our men are diligently combing the area, determined to bring the criminals to justice. We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and travelers within Kwara State.”
The Kwara State Police Command also commended the bravery and swift response of the officers and the cooperation of the local vigilantes, which led to the successful rescue.
They urged the public to remain calm and vigilant and to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the emergency lines. Further updates on the case will be communicated as the investigation progresses.
