Gunmen Abduct Seven Passengers on Kwara Road, Spare Three Children

 

Gunmen ambushed a Toyota Sienna passenger vehicle en route to Offa from Abuja and abducted seven passengers in Kwara State.

The incident occurred between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, 2025, along the Obbo-Aiyegunle/Osi Road in the Ekiti Local Government Area.

While seven individuals were taken, the kidnappers spared three children who were traveling with their now-abducted parents.

According to reports, the eldest of the children returned to Offa and alerted the management of the transport company, Olumoh Express, from which the victims had boarded the vehicle.

Despite prompt efforts by the local vigilante group, attempts to rescue the abducted passengers have, so far, been unsuccessful.

Confirming the incident, Mr. Mukaila Ogunlade, secretary of Olumoh Express, 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.”

The Kwara State Police Command also confirmed the abduction in a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi.

“Armed hoodlums numbering about eight reportedly intercepted a Sienna bus registered FFA 50XD, heading to Offa from Abuja and forcefully abducted seven occupants, including the driver,” the statement read.

“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 two and 12 years were located and safely rescued.

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

The command added that it has intensified its efforts through discreet investigation, intelligence gathering, and sustained bush combing operations to locate the kidnappers and ensure the safe return of the remaining victims.

Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, reiterated the command’s commitment to the safety and protection of all residents. He urged anyone with useful information to report through the official channels of the Kwara State Police Command.