3 Sustain Gunshot Injuries As Police, Vigilante Rescue 20 Kidnapped Victims In Kwara

Three people have been confirmed to have sustained gunshot injuries during an attack on commercial buses with no less than 20 passengers onboard along Osi/Obbo-Aiyegunle axis of Ekiti local government area of Kwara State by kidnappers.

Confirming the incident via press statement, the state command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, said 20 kidnapping victims had also been rescued at about 3:00 pm on Friday.

Accurate News gathered that gunmen, numbering about 10, had ambushed three vehicles with a total of 20 occupants along the Osi/Obbo-Aiyegunle road on Friday and forcefully led them into the surrounding bush.

The statement read in full:

“The Kwara State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of an incident of abduction and successful rescue operation carried out on 16th August 2024. On the said date at about 1500 hours, information was received by the Command that gunmen numbering about ten had ambushed three vehicles along the Osi/Obbo-Aiyegunle road. The gunmen abducted the passengers numbering twenty from three commercial vehicles and forcefully led them into the surrounding bush.

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Some of the rescued persons at the Police station

“Upon receipt of this distress call, the Kwara State Police Command, in collaboration with local vigilantes, swiftly mobilized the Divisional patrol team and other tactical teams who launched a thorough search operation. The operation took place within the dense forest area between Obbo-Aiyegunle and Obbo-Ile.

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“Through the concerted efforts of our Police detectives, vigilante and community members, the team successfully rescued 20 victims. It is with great relief that we report the safe return of these individuals. Three of the victims who sustained gunshot injuries on their legs during the ordeal have been promptly evacuated to Hospital for urgent medical attention. We wish them speedy recovery.

“The Commissioner of Police CP Victor Olaiya psc(+) wishes to assure the public that the search for the perpetrators is still ongoing. Our men are diligently combing the area, determined to bring the criminals to justice. We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and travelers within Kwara State.

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“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 casualty 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.”