The Kwara State Police Command announced on Friday that it has rescued 20 victims who had been kidnapped on the Osi/Obbo-Aiyegunle route in the state’s Ekiti Local Government Area. According to a statement issued on Saturday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, the rescue operation was carried out in coordination with local vigilantes in the state. She claimed that security forces rescued all of the victims alive, while three of those who were injured were transported to the hospital for treatment. According to PUNCH Online, the kidnapped victims were going from Kwara to Kogi state in three different vehicles on Friday afternoon when they were snatched by gunmen and taken to the woods.
The spokeswoman, however, stated that none of the culprits had been arrested. The announcement read, “The Kwara State Police Command desires to alert the general public of an abduction and successful rescue operation that occurred on August 16, 2024. “On the stated date, at approximately 1500 hours, the Command got intelligence that gunmen numbering about 10 had attacked three vehicles on the Osi/Obbo-Aiyegunle road. 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 mobilised 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 20 victims. It is with great relief that we report the safe return of these individuals.”
The statement added that three of the victims sustained gunshot injuries on their legs during the ordeal and are currently receiving treatment at a hospital.
“Three of the victims who sustained gunshot injuries on their legs during the ordeal have been promptly evacuated to the hospital for urgent medical attention. We wish them a speedy recovery.
“The Commissioner of Police CP, Victor Olaiya, 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 travtravelershin 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 casualty 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 vigilante, and to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through our emergency lines,” it added.