Over 10 Passengers Rescued from Kidnappers in Kwara State

In a remarkable show of bravery and community action, 13 passengers who were abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Obbo-Osi Road in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State have been successfully rescued by local vigilante groups. 

The incident occurred around 3:00 p.m. on Friday, as a bus carrying passengers from Abuja to Ilorin was intercepted by armed men. The kidnappers forcibly stopped the bus at gunpoint, leading the passengers into a nearby bush along Obbo-Osi Road. 

Upon receiving news of the kidnapping, local vigilante groups swiftly organized and pursued the kidnappers into the dense bush. Thanks to their efforts, all the passengers were rescued unharmed, although one individual sustained serious injuries during the ordeal.

The injured passenger was reportedly shot in the leg by the kidnappers and was quickly evacuated from the bush for medical treatment in a hospital in Osi town. 

Speaking on the incident, Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Toun Ejire-Adeyemi confirmed the successful rescue of all the abducted passengers. The PPRO praised the collaborative efforts between the local vigilante groups and law enforcement in ensuring the safety of the victims.

The National President of the Isolo Opin Development Association, Mr. Alaba Kumuyi, who also confirmed the incident, highlighted the increasing threat posed by kidnappers in the area. He urged the government to implement more proactive measures to curb the rising incidents of kidnapping, which have affected major towns within the Ekiti Local Government Area.

Kumuyi expressed concern that the criminal activities have deterred many farmers from tending to their fields, further exacerbating the economic challenges in the region. He also lamented that the ongoing insecurity has led to the untimely deaths of innocent residents in the area, calling for immediate intervention to restore peace and safety to the community.

This successful rescue operation demonstrates the importance of local vigilance and cooperation in the fight against kidnapping and other forms of insecurity in Nigeria. However, the residents of Ekiti Local Government Area remain on edge, awaiting stronger government action to ensure the safety of their lives and livelihoods.