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Gunmen on Saturday ambushed a Toyota Sienna passenger vehicle on Obbo-Aiyegunle/Osi Road in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State and abducted seven passengers travelling from Abuja to Offa in Kwara State.
PUNCH Online gathered that the suspected kidnappers, however, spared three children who were travelling with their abducted parents.
It was gathered that it was the eldest of the children who were spared that reported the incident to the management of the transport company, Olumoh Express, Offa, that the victims boarded.
The abduction occurred between 5pm and 6pm.
All attempts made so far by the local vigilante to rescue the victims were unsuccessful.
The state police command in a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its spokesperson, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the abduction of the seven passengers.
The secretary of the transport company, Mr Mukaila Ogunlade, who also confirmed the incident, said, “The incident truly happened. In fact, we are just coming from Osi Police Station. The bus left the park with five passengers, but the oldest of the children that were left behind told us that two more people later joined them on the way. Presently, we are looking for seven people.”
Spokesperson for 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 of 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.
