Olusegun Ariyo
Seven passengers travelling from Abuja to Kwara State were abducted on Saturday along Obbo-Ayegunle road in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Three children of the abducted victims were, however, later released by the unidentified kidnappers, according to reports reaching Urban Express News Online in Ilorin on Sunday.
The abduction occurred between 17:00-18:00 hours, while the passengers were on board a Sienna vehicle owned by Olumoh Express transport company, heading to Offa from Abuja.
All attempts made so far by the local vigilante to rescue the victims were unsuccessful.
Spokesperson of the state police command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the development.
“Armed hoodlums numbering about eight reportedly intercepted a Sienna bus registered FFA 50xd, heading to Offa from Abuja and forcefully abducted seven occupants, including the driver.
“Upon receipt of the information, police operatives in collaboration with local vigilantes responded swiftly to the scene.
“The vehicle was recovered to the nearest police formation. During a coordinated search of the surrounding bush, three children aged between two and 12 years were located and safely rescued.
“One of the children was able to give the police detailed information about her guardian, who was contacted, and the three rescued children have been reunited with their relatives,” the statement added.
The command said it has intensified efforts through discreet investigation, intelligence gathering and sustained bush combing to track down the perpetrators and secure the safe rescue of the remaining victims.
Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, reiterated the commitment of the command to the safety and protection of all residents, urging those with useful information to report through the established channels of the state police command.
