Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted several commuters from an 18-passenger commercial bus at Irun, in the Akoko North-West Local Government Area of Ondo State. The incident occurred along the Irun/Imesi Ekiti Road on Saturday evening.
Incident Details
According to reports, the vehicle was attacked by hoodlums who dragged the victims into the bush. The state commander of Amotekun Corps, Adetunji Adeleye, confirmed the incident and stated that personnel of the security outfit had pursued the kidnappers into the forest.
Rescue Efforts
Adeleye could not confirm the exact number of travellers still with the kidnappers, as some passengers managed to escape. “My men and soldiers from Ekiti are combing the forest, but the hoodlums did not kidnap all 18 passengers on the bus,” he said. “Some of the passengers escaped on their own, while our men, along with soldiers, recovered some of the victims during the night. Our men are continuing to comb the forest as we speak.”
Bottom Line
The abduction of commuters underscores the persistent security challenges in parts of Nigeria, particularly regarding highway kidnappings. While the swift response from Amotekun and soldiers is commendable, it highlights the urgent need for enhanced security measures and more effective strategies to protect travelers and curb the activities of kidnappers in the region.
