Seven travellers were kidnapped over the weekend by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers along the Obbo-Aiyegunle road in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The victims, all passengers in a Sienna bus, were traveling from Abuja to Offa in Offa Local Government Area when the assailants struck.
According to reports, the gunmen ambushed the vehicle—registered as KW FFA 50 XD and owned by an Offa-based transport company—by blocking the road and stopping it at gunpoint. The attack lasted approximately 20 minutes.
During the operation, the attackers abducted seven of the passengers and left behind three children, who were later rescued.
Mr. Mukaila Ogunlade, secretary of the transport company, confirmed the development: “The bus initially left with five passengers.
According to one of the children, two more people joined along the way. We are now searching for seven people.” He noted that the incident occurred near Obbo-Aiyegunle, an area known for recent security challenges.
Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adekemi Ojo, also confirmed the abduction and said the command had launched an operation to secure the release of the victims.
A statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, read:
“The Kwara State Police Command confirms an abduction incident that occurred around 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, 2025, along Obbo-Aiyegunle/Osi Road.
Armed hoodlums intercepted a Sienna bus (Reg. No: FFA 50 XD) heading to Offa from Abuja and abducted seven occupants, including the driver.
Three children aged between 2 and 12 years were found and rescued during a search. One of the children provided details to contact their guardian, and all have since been reunited with their families.
The Command is intensifying efforts through intelligence gathering and bush combing to rescue the remaining victims. The public is urged to share any useful information with the police.”
Authorities have assured the public of ongoing efforts to track down the perpetrators and secure the release of the kidnapped victims.
