The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the kidnapping of travellers along the Obbo-Aiyegunle/Osi Road in the Ekiti Local Government Area.
The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. on Saturday.
It was gathered that a group of eight armed assailants reportedly ambushed a Toyota Sienna bus, with registration number FFA 50 XD, en route to Offa from Abuja.
Report says the attackers forcibly abducted seven occupants of the vehicle, including the driver.
Confirming this report, the Police command’s spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, in a statement, said Police operatives, in collaboration with local vigilante groups, responded swiftly to the distress call, saying that the abandoned vehicle was recovered and secured at a nearby police formation.
She said during a coordinated search operation in the surrounding bushland, three children, aged between 2 and 12 years, were found and safely rescued, adding that one of the children was able to provide identifying details about her guardian, who was promptly contacted.
The Police spokesperson confirmed that all the three rescued children have since been reunited with their families.
The Kwara State Police Command has therefore intensified efforts to locate and rescue the remaining victims.
These efforts, according to her, include discreet investigations, intelligence gathering, and sustained search operations in the area.
Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, has assured the public that the command remains fully committed to ensuring the safety and protection of all residents.
He also urged anyone with useful information to contact the police through the established communication channels.
