Security Operatives Neutralise 3 Bandits, Rescue 9 Kidnap Victims In Kwara

Security operatives have neutralised three bandits and rescued nine kidnap victims in a coordinated operation in Ekiti local government area of Kwara State.

LEADERSHIP gatherered that the operation was carried out by joint security agencies including forest guards and local hunters in the Obbo-Aiyegunle, Ejiu-Ora and Osi axis of Ekiti local government area bordering Ekiti and Niger states.

This development was confirmed
in a statement made available to newsmen by the chief press secretary to Ekiti local government council’s chairman, Prince Dada Sunday.

Sources said the rescued victims were abducted from Eju community and were being moved through the bush toward Niger State before the security team intercepted their abductors.

One of the rescued victims, Umaru Muazu of Obbo Aiyegunle, said the attack occurred around 4:57pm.

“ They came from nowhere and put a gun to my head. Four of them took me and my son. Fear gripped me and I fell to the ground. They also took my friend’s motorcycle and kidnapped us,” Muazu said.

Another victim, Ibrahim Danga, also of Obbo Aiyegunle, confirmed they were held briefly before the security forces arrived.

A member of the Kwara Forest Guards, said the team had been on intelligence-driven bush combing when they engaged the terrorists.

“We neutralised three of them and rescued nine people. One of the victims is receiving treatment for injuries,” he said.

He disclosed that the bandits were better armed. “There is no type of firearm that is not in their hand. We need more equipment such as body armor, binoculars, night goggles, walkie-talkies and more ammunition to confront them.”

The chief security officer of Ekiti local government area, Agbemuko Gabriel, commended the forest guards for their efforts, adding that, “they are the ones that helped us rescue those people that were kidnapped along Ora-Yetoro axis. They have been doing enough security and intelligence work for us and we are happy for that,” Gabriel said.

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