At Akunu in the Akoko North East Local Government Area of Ondo State, gunmen killed the driver of an eighteen-seater commercial bus and kidnapped its occupants over the weekend.
It was reported by sources that a young girl was abducted by the group on Friday.
As the kidnappers tried to flee, Vanguard found out that they had shot the bus driver. Following the driver’s shooting—who apparently passed away instantly—the bus was forced to halt.
The bus was covered in gunfire, and the drivers who arrived later found the passengers’ location unknown.
The victims were later rescued by the state security group known as Amotekun, which included soldiers, hunters, and police investigators.
It was learned that since Friday, when the victims were seized, the kidnappers had not spoken to any of their relatives.
When contacted, Funmi Odunlami, the state police spokesperson, confirmed the passengers’ kidnapping.
Abayomi Oladipo, the commissioner of state police, has “ordered the deployment of special squads to Akunnu Akoko area of the state to rescue the victims and arrest their abductors,” according to a statement released by Odunlami in Akure.
“The Area Commander and his team moved into the affected area for possible rescue as soon as the incident occurred,” stated Odunlami, “with the support of the military and local security.
“In addition, personnel from a variety of tactical units under the direction of the Special Anti Kidnapping Squad have been briefed and sent to the scene in order to assist with victim rescue and potential suspect arrests.
