Men of the Kwara State Police Command have rescued 20 passengers abducted by gunmen along Osi-Obbo-Ayegunle Road in Ekiti local government area of the state on Friday.
LEADERSHIP gathered that the abductees were passengers occupying three vehicles waylaid in Ekiti local government area axis of the Ilorin-Omu-Aran-Egbe highway.
The spokesperson of the State Police Command, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, who confirmed the rescue of the victims in a statement on Saturday, said the vehicles they were travelling in were waylaid by gunmen numbering about 10.
“The gunmen abducted the passengers numbering 20 from three commercial vehicles and forcefully led them into the surrounding bush,” she said.
The Police Command’s spokesperson added: “Upon receipt of a distress call, the Kwara State Police Command, in collaboration with local vigilantes, swiftly mobilized 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, vigilante and community members, the team successfully rescued 20 victims. It is with great relief that we report the safe return of these individuals. Three of the victims who sustained gunshot injuries on their legs during the ordeal have been promptly evacuated to hospital for urgent medical attention. We wish them speedy recovery.”