A combined team of local vigilante and the Nigerian police from the anti-kidnapping unit of the Kwara State Command has rescued the 20 kidnapped travellers in the state.
The travellers were abducted on Friday by a gang of 10 armed men along the Osi/Obbo Ayegunle road in Kwara State’s Ekiti Local Government Area.
The victims were intercepted while traveling in a Toyota HiAce and two other vehicles en route to Ekiti State. The gunmen forced the passengers out of the buses and took them to a nearby forest, demanding ransom.
But swiftly, the combined rescue team responded to the situation and saved the hostages later that in the day.
However, three passengers sustained gunshot injuries during the rescue operation and were rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention.
Despite the successful rescue operation, the perpetrators remain at large, and a joint team of police officers and local vigilantes is currently combing the forest to apprehend them.
The scene of the abduction was left in disarray, with the passengers’ personal belongings scattered on the main road, causing other travellers to avoid the area in fear.
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the rescue of the 20 abducted travellers, in a statement on Saturday through its Spokesman, Ejire Adeyemi Adetoun.
It said that the passengers were freed from their captors late Friday evening following a joint operation by local vigilantes and a team of police officers.
The statement reads in part, “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.
“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.
“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 added, “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.”
