Gunmen Abduct Six Travellers in Kwara, Release Three Children

Six travellers were abducted on Saturday evening by armed gunmen along the Obbo-Ayegunle road in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State. The victims were among seven passengers journeying from Abuja to Offa in a Sienna vehicle operated by Olumoh Express transport company. The incident occurred between 5pm and 6pm, according to local reports.

Following the attack, the kidnappers released three children who were among the victims. The children, aged between two and 12 years, were rescued during a coordinated search of the surrounding forest area by police and local vigilantes. One of the children was able to provide information about her guardian, which enabled authorities to reunite all three children with their relatives.

Kwara State Police spokesperson SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi confirmed that eight armed assailants intercepted the bus, which bore registration number FFA 50XD. Despite swift response efforts by law enforcement and community security groups, the remaining six abducted individuals, including the driver, are yet to be rescued.

The police command has launched a discreet investigation and intensified intelligence gathering efforts alongside sustained bush combing to locate the kidnappers and ensure the safe return of the victims. Commissioner of Police Adekimi Ojo reaffirmed the command’s dedication to the protection of lives and property, urging the public to report any useful information to aid the ongoing operation.