GUNMEN KIDNAP FOUR TRAVELLERS, ENGAGE SOLDIERS IN GUN BATTLE IN EKITI

Some yet to be identified gun men have kidnapped four travellers at Aiyedun-Ekiti in the Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

The incident was reported to have been initiated at Ayebode area where there was a shootout between Soldiers and the criminals.

Intelligence gathered that the victims are being held at Ayedun-Ekiti, a neighbouring community with Ayebode town.

It was gathered that the incident which occured on Thursday, caused a total seizure of human and vehicular movements on the Ayedun-Ilasa-Ayebode road due to fear of reprisals.

Intelligence gathered that the Soldiers who were on the road for their routine patrols and checks did all in their powers to quell the kidnap incident. 

It was reported that the Soldiers positively engaged the kidnappers in a protracted gun battle, forcing them to escape into the bush, leaving behind some victims earlier kidnapped from a different location. 

It was however gathered from multiple sources that the kidnappers picked up another four passengers in a commercial transport vehicle before fleeing into the bush. 

An eye-witness account told newsmen that the gunmen were overpowered by the Soldiers and were forced to retreat into the bush but none was felled or apprehended.

However, the Ekiti State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sunday Abutu, confirmed the incident. He said four travellers were indeed abducted by the gun men. 

He also assured everyone to go about their lawful businesses as the Police are currently on the trail of the kidnappers. He declined other questions, saying the story is just developing and information will made public in due course. 

According to ASP Abutu; “The information we heard was that four persons were abducted along the route, but the security men responded swiftly to the situation and rescued six. We have begun investigation and we will try and ensure that the abductees are brought back safe and sound.”

He thanked the Soldiers for their timely response and gallantry in the gun battle with the criminals before the arrival of the Police.

Credit: Eons intelligence