UPDATE: 10 kidnapped victims regain freedom in Osun

Ten kidnapped passengers, who were abducted on Sunday evening by suspected Fulani herdsmen at Ajeoku village located between Otan Ile and Imesi communities of Obokun local government of Osun State have regained their freedom.

Credible security source informed Tribune Online that five of the victims were released around 12.10 am on Monday following the combined efforts of policemen from Obokun and Ilase Divisions, including local vigilante officials.

The names of the released victims who are children include Atoyebi Ismaila, Olatunji Benjamin, Hammed Awoniyi, Sadeeq Awoniyi and Ridwan Awoniyi.

Later, around 4.35 pm on Monday, the remaining five, which include four males and one female were released.

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According to the source, “the father of the Awoniyis, identified as Kazeem Awoniyi, a native of Iragbiji in Boripe local government area of Osun, alongside four others were released around 4.35 pm and they have been moved to the Osun State headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force in Osogbo.”

Vehicles that were attacked by suspected Fulani herdsmen include a Toyota Hiace Bus, marked SGB 827 XB, Toyota RAV4 with registration number SMK 379 DG, Volkswagen Golf marked AG 560 JER and Volkswagen Passat belonging to Kazeem Awoniyi with registration number BKN 261 AA.

During the incident, two people, namely Francis Moghalu and Ayoade Ajiboye were allegedly shot by the abductors, but they are currently receiving treatment at Ope Farm Hospital in Imesi Ile.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Osun State Police Command, Mrs Folasade Odoro confirmed that all the abducted victims have been rescued.