Hours After Denying Report On Terror Group, Gunmen Kidnap 7 Passengers In Kwara

Gunmen on Saturday ambushed a passenger vehicle at Obbo-Aiyegunle community in Ekiti local government area of Kwara State, abducting seven passengers traveling from Abuja to Offa part of the state.

The suspected kidnappers, LEADERSHIP gathered, however, spared three children who were traveling with their abducted parents.

It was the eldest of the spared children that reported the incident to the management of Olumoh Express, the transport company boarded by the victims.

Spokesperson of the State Police Command, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, in a statement issued on Sunday, confirmed the abduction of the seven passengers.

“Kwara State Police Command confirms an incident of abduction which occurred at about 1830hrs on Saturday, April 19, 2025, along Obbo-Aiyegunle/Osi Road, Ekiti local government area. Armed hoodlums, numbering about eight, reportedly intercepted a Sienna bus with registration number FFA 50 XD heading to Offa from Abuja and forcefully abducted seven occupants including the driver.

“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 2 and 12 years were located and safely rescued.

“One of the children was able to give the police detailed information of her guardian, he was contacted; the three rescued children have been reunited with their relatives.

“The Kwara Command has intensified efforts through discreet investigation, intelligence gathering, and sustained bush combing to track down the perpetrators and secure the safe rescue of the remaining victims,” the police statement read.

Similarly, the secretary of the transport company, Mr. Mukaila Ogunlade who also confirmed the abduction 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.”

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Adekimi Ojo has assured the public of the Command’s commitment to the safety and protection of all residents.

The CP further urged anyone with useful information to report through the established channels of the kwara police command.