In a harrowing incident in Ekiti State, gunmen ambushed and abducted several passengers travelling from Onitsha, Anambra State, to Ado-Ekiti. The attack took place on Sunday night in Emure-Ile, located in Emure Local Government Area.
The assailants hijacked the bus carrying the travellers and took them deep into the bush. Among the victims was the bus driver, Mr. Sunday Emmanuel. According to reports from the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) Ado-Ekiti Motor Terminal branch, the kidnappers have demanded ₦30 million in ransom for each of the victims.
This tragic event has left the families of those abducted in anguish. “They drove the bus into the bush and dragged people inside,” said a source close to the incident. “They called the family of the driver, and I pleaded to speak with him. After our conversation, they demanded a ransom of ₦30 million,” he added. The kidnappers said they would call back, but since then, there has been no further communication.
In a strange and distressing development, the kidnappers abandoned some children who had also been on the bus. Their loud cries in the early hours of Monday morning attracted the attention of local passersby, who promptly alerted the authorities. The children’s presence on the bus became the crucial clue that led to the incident being reported to the police.
One eyewitness explained, “The children were left on the bus. It seems that some people working on nearby farms saw the kids and quickly informed the police.” Their intervention led to a police response from Emure-Owo, although efforts to reach the Ekiti State Police Command for further comment were unsuccessful.
Local authorities have launched a manhunt to find the kidnappers and secure the release of the victims. As of now, no ransom has been paid, and the situation remains tense.
Background on the Kidnapping Crisis in Ekiti
Kidnapping for ransom has become an increasingly common crime in many parts of Nigeria, particularly in the southern and central regions. Ekiti State, once considered relatively peaceful compared to other parts of Nigeria, has seen a worrying rise in abductions. The road from Onitsha to Ado-Ekiti has become one of the flashpoints for such crimes.
The RTEAN and local communities have expressed concern over the growing threat. In recent months, several incidents of kidnapping have occurred along highways, leaving many residents fearful for their safety. The authorities have struggled to contain the menace, with many kidnappers operating in well-planned, organised groups that target travellers and transport operators.
Local reports suggest that the gunmen involved in this latest attack were likely part of a criminal gang operating in the region. These criminals often make demands for substantial ransoms, knowing that families will be desperate to pay for the safe return of their loved ones. It is also believed that some of the gangs have connections to other criminal groups, further complicating efforts by security agencies to apprehend them.
The Impact on Victims’ Families and the Community
The incident has left the families of those kidnapped in a state of shock and distress. A member of the driver’s family spoke about the situation, saying, “We are devastated. We are waiting for any news. Our hope is that they are returned to us safely.”
The local transport unions are also stepping up their efforts to help. “We are having a meeting to discuss how best to approach the kidnappers and secure the release of our members,” said a representative from the RTEAN in Ado-Ekiti. “The safety of our drivers and passengers is a top priority.”
In addition to the emotional toll, there is growing concern among the local population about the increasing insecurity. Many residents feel that the government needs to do more to protect citizens, especially on major highways. “Something needs to be done to stop these kidnappers,” said a local shop owner. “People can no longer travel freely without the fear of being attacked.”
Two Victims Escape During Abduction
In a twist to the story, two of the kidnapped victims managed to escape while being led into the bush by their captors. The details of their escape remain unclear, but their successful attempt to break free has raised hopes that others may also manage to escape in the future.
These two victims reportedly fled into the forest after the kidnappers had become distracted. One of the escapees described the moment, saying, “It was a chance. We saw an opportunity and just ran. We did not look back.”
The escape of these two victims has provided some relief to their families, who are hoping for more good news. However, the uncertainty surrounding the other victims remains.
