The combined efforts of the Kwara State Police Command, local vigilantes, and community members in the Osi/Obbo-Aiyegunle area of Ekiti Local Government have led to the rescue of 20 kidnap victims who were abducted around 3:00 p.m. on Friday.
In a statement from the command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, the rescue operation occurred on Saturday in the dense forest area between Obbo-Aiyegunle and Obbo-Ile.
According to The Tribune, about 10 gunmen ambushed three vehicles carrying a total of 20 occupants along the Osi/Obbo-Aiyegunle road on Friday and forcefully took them into the surrounding bush.
The command assured the public that the search for the perpetrators is ongoing, with police officers diligently combing the area in their effort to bring the criminals to justice.
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The statement indicated that the rescue operation was carried out without any casualties among the victims. However, three of the victims who sustained gunshot injuries to their legs during the ordeal have been evacuated to a hospital for urgent medical attention.
The statement reads:
“The Kwara State Police Command wishes to inform the general public about an abduction incident and the successful rescue operation carried out on August 16, 2024.
“On that date, around 3:00 p.m., we received information that about 10 gunmen had ambushed three vehicles along the Osi/Obbo-Aiyegunle road.
“The gunmen abducted 20 passengers from these commercial vehicles and forced them into the surrounding bush.
“Upon receiving this distress call, the Kwara State Police Command, in collaboration with local vigilantes, swiftly mobilized the Divisional Patrol Team and other tactical teams to launch a thorough search operation. This operation took place in the dense forest area between Obbo-Aiyegunle and Obbo-Ile.
“Thanks to the concerted efforts of our police detectives, vigilantes, and community members, the team successfully rescued all 20 victims.
“We are relieved to report the safe return of these individuals. Three victims who sustained gunshot injuries to their legs during the ordeal have been promptly evacuated to the hospital for urgent medical attention. We wish them a speedy recovery.
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“The Commissioner of Police, CP Victor Olaiya, psc(+), assures the public that the search for the perpetrators is ongoing. Our officers are diligently combing the area and are determined to bring the criminals to justice.
“We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and travelers within 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 casualties 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 vigilant and to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through our emergency lines.”
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