Kwara: Police rescue 20 kidnap victims

Kwara State Police Command has rescued 20 kidnap victims in a joint operation with local vigilantes and community members.

Three of the victims, who sustained gunshot injuries on their legs, were taken to the hospital for medical attention.

The kidnap incident occurred on Friday along Osi-Obbo-Aiyegunle highway in the Kwara South Senatorial District of the state.

Reports said the abduction occurred at about 1500 hours, when gunmen ambushed three commercial vehicles along the Osi/Obbo-Aiyegunle Road, and forcefully led them into the surrounding bush.

Spokesperson of the state police command, DSP Ejire Adeyemi Toun, said in a statement in Ilorin on Saturday that “upon receipt of the distress call, the command, in collaboration with local vigilantes, swiftly mobilized the Divisional patrol team and other tactical teams who launched a thorough search operation within the dense forest area between Obbo-Aiyegunle and Obbo-Ile.

“Through the concerted efforts of our police detectives, vigilante and community members, the team successfully rescued 20 victims.”

“It is with great relief that we report the safe return of these individuals. Three of the victims who sustained gunshot injuries on their legs during the ordeal have been promptly evacuated to hospital for urgent medical attention. We wish them speedy recovery,” the statement added.

The Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, assured the public that the search for the perpetrators was still ongoing as police operatives were diligently combing the area, determined to bring the criminals to justice.

He commended the bravery and swift response of the police officers, as well as the cooperation of the local vigilantes, which led to the successful rescue without any casualty among the victims.

Olaiya also urged the public to remain calm and vigilant, and to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines.