Two individuals who were abducted on Saturday evening along the Igbara-Odo/Ikere-Ekiti Road have been successfully rescued following a coordinated security operation.
The victims were reportedly travelling from Igbara-Odo to Ikere-Ekiti around 7:30 p.m. when one of their vehicle’s tyres developed a puncture. As they attempted to fix the issue, gunmen emerged from the nearby bush, threatened them with firearms, and abducted them.
A source at the scene said, “While they were trying to fix the tyre, some unknown gunmen appeared from the bush, threatened them with guns and whisked them away to an unknown destination.”
Upon receiving reports of the abduction, the Ekiti State Police Command, in collaboration with local security groups, launched a search-and-rescue operation that eventually led to the victims’ release.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, confirmed the development in a statement issued in Ado Ekiti on Monday, noting that the victims were rescued through the efforts of the Rapid Response Squad and other community security actors.
“Upon receipt of the information (about the kidnap), the command mobilised its operatives into the forest along that axis for their possible rescue and the arrest of the perpetrators,” Abutu stated.
“The operations eventually paid off as the operatives engaged the kidnappers in a gun duel, which forced them to escape with gunshot injuries, leaving the victims behind. Efforts are ongoing to ensure the arrest of the miscreants and other criminal elements in the state.
“The rescued victims were immediately taken to the hospital for medical attention and subsequently reunited with their family members.
“While the command will continue to prioritize the maximum safety of the residents of the state, members of the public are implored to be vigilant, and security conscious and ensure they support and collaborate with the police and other security agencies in the fight against crimes and criminality,” he added.
Efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects are still ongoing as the police continue to patrol the area.
