20 travellers abducted on Friday morning along the Osi/Obbo Ayegunle road in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State by a ten-man gang have been rescued by local vigilante teams and police officers from the anti-kidnapping unit, with the perpetrators still at large.
The perpetrators are still at large at press time, as a team of police officers and local vigilantes are still combing the forest to effect their arrest.
Vanguard correspondent reliably gathered that the gunmen intercepted drivers of the Toyota Hiace and two other vehicles heading towards Ekiti State on the main road and ordered all the passengers out of the buses, then took them to the thick forests in the area to ask for ransom.
Though the passengers were later rescued late Friday, three of them, who sustained gunshot injuries during the rescue operation, have been taken to the hospital for urgent medical attention.
The passengers’ bags and other personal effects were left flung on the main road, while other panicking travellers avoided the area.
Kwara state police command, which confirmed the development, said in a statement by Spokesperson, Ejire Adeyemi Adetoun, on Saturday afternoon that the passengers had been rescued from the gunmen late Friday evening after a combined effort of local Vigilante and a team of police officers.
The statement reads, “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.”
It 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 stated 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 concerted efforts of our police detectives, vigilantes, and community members, the team successfully rescued the 20 victims.
“It is with great relief that we report the safe return of these individuals.
Three of the victims, who sustained gunshot injuries to their legs during the ordeal, have been promptly evacuated to the hospital for urgent medical attention. We wish them a speedy recovery.”
The statement, however, stated 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 travellers within Kwara State.
“We commend the bravery and swift response of our officers, as well as the cooperation of the local vigilantes, which led to the successful rescue without any casualties among the victims.
“Further updates on this case will be communicated to the public as the investigation progresses.
“We urge the public to remain calm and vigilant and to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through our emergency lines.”
Vanguard
