The quiet tranquility of a Saturday evening was shattered on the Obbo-Aiyegunle/Osi Road in Ekiti Local Government Area, Kwara State, as a Toyota Sienna passenger vehicle, en route from Abuja to Offa, fell victim to a ruthless ambush. Gunmen, their motives shrouded in darkness, accosted the vehicle, forcibly abducting seven passengers and leaving behind a scene of fear and uncertainty. The targeted vehicle belonged to Olumoh Express, a transport company based in Offa, and the incident occurred in the twilight hours between 5 pm and 6 pm, a time when the unsuspecting travelers were likely anticipating the conclusion of their journey. Three children, traveling with their parents, were spared the harrowing experience, left to witness the terrifying abduction and subsequently raise the alarm.
The eldest of the spared children, demonstrating remarkable composure in the face of trauma, acted swiftly to report the incident to the management of Olumoh Express in Offa. This brave act set in motion a series of responses, beginning with the local vigilante groups who immediately launched a search effort. Unfortunately, their attempts to locate and rescue the abducted passengers proved unsuccessful, highlighting the challenging terrain and the perpetrators’ likely familiarity with the area. The incident sent ripples of fear and anxiety through the community, underscoring the vulnerability of travelers on the route. The transport company, grappling with the shock and gravity of the situation, immediately began coordinating with authorities and families of the victims.
The Kwara State Police Command, upon receiving news of the abduction, promptly confirmed the incident through a statement issued by its spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi. The statement provided details of the incident, revealing that the Sienna bus, registered FFA 50xd, was intercepted by approximately eight armed individuals. It further confirmed the abduction of seven occupants, including the driver. This swift acknowledgment of the incident demonstrated the police command’s commitment to transparency and its dedication to addressing the escalating security concerns within the state. The statement also detailed the immediate actions taken by law enforcement.
Following the report, the Kwara State Police, in collaboration with local vigilante groups, initiated a rapid response. They secured the abandoned vehicle, transporting it to the nearest police station for further investigation. A comprehensive search operation was launched in the surrounding bush, focusing on locating the abducted passengers and apprehending the perpetrators. During the search, the three children, ranging in age from two to twelve years old, were discovered unharmed. The recovery of the children provided a small glimmer of hope amidst the grim circumstances, reflecting the dedication of the search teams and the importance of collaborative efforts between law enforcement and local communities. The children’s safe return also allowed for a crucial breakthrough in the investigation.
One of the rescued children, demonstrating resilience beyond their years, was able to provide vital information to the police about their guardian. This crucial detail allowed the authorities to quickly contact the guardian and reunite the three children with their relatives. The reunion brought immense relief to the families, demonstrating the importance of gathering information from witnesses, even young ones. It also highlighted the psychological impact of such traumatic events on children, emphasizing the need for support and counseling to help them process the ordeal. The information provided by the child also provided a potential lead for the police, possibly offering insights into the identity or motives of the kidnappers.
The Kwara State Police Command, acknowledging the gravity of the situation, has pledged to intensify its efforts to rescue the remaining hostages. The police are employing various strategies, including discreet investigations, intelligence gathering, and sustained bush combing operations. Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents within the state. He also appealed to the public, urging anyone with relevant information to come forward and assist the ongoing investigation. This call for public cooperation underscores the importance of community involvement in combating crime and ensuring the safe return of the abducted passengers. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the security challenges facing the region and the critical role of collaborative efforts between law enforcement, local communities, and individuals in maintaining peace and security.
