Three travellers sustained gunshot injuries after gunmen ambushed three commercial vehicles along the Osi/Obbo-Aiyegunle road in Kwara State. The attack, which took place in the early hours of Friday, resulted in the abduction of 20 passengers, who were later rescued by a combined team of police, vigilantes, and local hunters.
The ambush occurred around 3:00 am in a dense forest area between Obbo-Aiyegunle and Obbo-Ile, a region known for its thick vegetation and isolated roads, making it a hotspot for such criminal activities. The gunmen, reportedly armed and in large numbers, forced the vehicles to a halt, abducting all the passengers and marching them into the surrounding bush.
According to the Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, the police were alerted to the situation shortly after it occurred. “Upon receipt of the distress call, the police, in collaboration with other rescue teams, swiftly mobilised and launched a thorough search operation,” she said in a statement released on Saturday.
The rescue operation, which involved a concerted effort from police officers, local vigilantes, and hunters familiar with the terrain, culminated in a gun battle with the kidnappers deep inside the forest. The kidnappers, who were heavily armed, opened fire on the rescue team, resulting in three of the hostages sustaining gunshot wounds to their legs.
Despite the exchange of gunfire, the rescue team successfully secured the release of all 20 hostages. The victims who were injured were promptly evacuated to a nearby hospital, where they are receiving medical treatment. “Three of the victims who sustained gunshot injuries on their legs during the ordeal have been promptly evacuated to a hospital for urgent medical attention,” DSP Ejire-Adeyemi confirmed.
The police spokesperson also commended the bravery of the officers and the local vigilantes involved in the operation, highlighting that no casualties were recorded among the rescuers or the rescued hostages. “Our men are diligently combing the area, determined to bring the criminals to justice. The police are committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and travellers within Kwara State,” she added.
The Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Victor Olaiya, has assured the public that the search for the kidnappers is ongoing. He praised the swift and effective response of the police and local security outfits, which prevented what could have been a much more tragic outcome. “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,” he said.
The Commissioner also urged the public to remain calm and vigilant, encouraging them to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the state’s emergency lines. “Further updates on this case will be communicated to the public as the investigation progresses,” DSP Ejire-Adeyemi added.
This incident is one of many that highlights the security challenges facing Kwara State and other parts of Nigeria. In recent years, kidnapping for ransom has become a pervasive threat across the country, with both urban and rural areas affected.