Gunmen Intercept, Kidnap 7 Passengers, Spare 3 Children in Kwara
Gunmen ambushed a Toyota Sienna bus on Saturday evening, abducting 7 passengers, including the driver, along the Obbo-Aiyegunle/Osi Road in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The incident occurred between 5 and 6 p.m. as the victims were traveling from Abuja to Offa.
The kidnappers, spared 3 children who were traveling with their parents. The eldest of the children, who was left behind, reported the incident to the management of Olumoh Express, the transport company the victims had boarded.
The secretary of Olumah Express, Mr. Mukaila Ogunlade, confirmed the abduction, stating that the vehicle had initially left the park with 5 passengers. “The oldest of the children told us that 2 more people joined the bus along the way. Presently, we are looking for 7 people,” he said.
The Kwara State Police Command responded quickly to the incident, recovering the abandoned vehicle at the nearest police post.
During a search of the surrounding bush area, the 3 children, aged between 2 and 12 years, were found and safely rescued. One of the children provided the police with detailed information about their guardian, leading to their reunion with their relatives.
The police command has intensified efforts to locate the kidnappers and ensure the safe rescue of the remaining victims. The Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, reassured residents of the command’s commitment to public safety and urged anyone with useful information to contact the police through established channels.
The police are conducting a discreet investigation, gathering intelligence, and carrying out continuous bush combing operations to track down the kidnappers. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of travelers in the region, and the police are working to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
The police are appealing to the public for assistance in locating the kidnappers and rescuing the remaining victims. Anyone with information is urged to contact the police through the established channels. The incident highlights the need for increased vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the public to prevent such crimes and
ensure public safety.
