Seven passengers travelling from Abuja to Offa in Kwara State have been kidnapped by suspected gunmen along the Obbo-Aiyegunle/Osi Road in Ekiti Local Government Area of the state.
According to The PUNCH, the attack occurred on Saturday evening between 5pm and 6pm, when the armed men ambushed a Toyota Sienna bus belonging to Olumoh Express Transport Company.
Three children who were travelling with their parents were spared by the attackers.
The oldest among the spared children reportedly raised the alarm and informed the transport company of the incident. “It was the child who came to notify us. We immediately visited the police station at Osi,” said Mr. Mukaila Ogunlade, Secretary of Olumoh Express.
Confirming the abduction, the Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, said the hoodlums, numbering about eight, intercepted the bus with registration number FFA 50XD and abducted seven people, including the driver.
“Upon receiving the distress call, our officers, alongside local vigilantes, responded promptly. The abandoned vehicle was recovered, and during a search of the surrounding bush, three children aged between two and twelve were found and rescued,” she said.
“One of the rescued children was able to provide information about her guardian, and they have since been reunited with their family,” she added.
SP Ejire-Adeyemi assured the public that a discreet investigation and intensive bush combing operations are ongoing to locate the kidnappers and rescue the remaining victims.
Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, also assured residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to their safety. “We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the victims’ safe return. Anyone with useful information should come forward,” he urged.
