From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Kwara State Police Command, has confirmed the abduction of seven passengers, including the driver, by armed men along the Obbo-Aiyegunle/Osi Road in Ekiti Local Government Area of the state.
The incident, which occurred around 6:30 pm on Saturday, involved a Sienna bus with registration number FFA 50 XD heading to Offa from Abuja. About eight armed assailants were said to have intercepted the vehicle and forcefully whisked away the occupants into a nearby forest.
Police spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, who issued a statement on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, said operatives immediately mobilised alongside local vigilantes to respond to the distress call.
“Upon a swift response to the scene, the vehicle was recovered to the nearest police formation. A coordinated search of the surrounding bush led to the successful rescue of three children aged between 2 and 12 years,” the statement read.
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One of the rescued children was able to provide the police with information about her guardian, who was later contacted. The police said all three rescued children have since been reunited with their families.
The statement added that a discreet investigation and intensive bush combing are ongoing to locate the remaining victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, reassured the public of the Command’s dedication to ensuring safety across the state.
“We are fully committed to the safety and protection of all residents. We urge anyone with useful information to come forward and report through the established channels of the Kwara State Police Command,” CP Ojo stated.
The incident has heightened concerns over rising cases of highway abductions in the state, with calls for more robust security presence along major routes.
