Seven passengers were abducted on Saturday evening when gunmen intercepted a Toyota Sienna vehicle along the Obbo-Aiyegunle/Osi Road in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The vehicle, operated by Olumoh Express, was en route from Abuja to Offa when it was attacked between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.
DAILY GAZETTE learnt that the assailants spared three children who were travelling with their abducted parents.
According to reports, it was the eldest of the three children left behind who reported the incident to the transport company’s management in Offa.
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the attack in a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its spokesperson, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi.
Also confirming the incident, the secretary of Olumoh Express, Mr. Mukaila Ogunlade, said, “The incident truly happened. In fact, we are just coming from Osi Police Station. The bus left the park with five passengers, but the oldest of the children that were left behind told us that two more people later joined them on the way. Presently, we are looking for seven people.”
Providing more details, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi of the state police command said, “Armed hoodlums numbering about eight reportedly intercepted a Sienna bus registered FFA 50xd, heading to Offa from Abuja and forcefully abducted seven occupants, including the driver.”
She added, “Upon receipt of the information, police operatives in collaboration with local vigilantes responded swiftly to the scene.
“The vehicle was recovered to the nearest police formation. During a coordinated search of the surrounding bush, three children aged between two and 12 years were located and safely rescued.
“One of the children was able to give the police detailed information of her guardian, who was contacted, and the three rescued children have been reunited with their relatives.”
According to the police, efforts have been intensified to rescue the remaining abductees, using discreet investigations, intelligence gathering, and continuous bush combing.
The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Adekimi Ojo, reaffirmed the command’s dedication to public safety, urging residents to provide any useful information through official communication channels.
