Nine Kidnap Victims Rescued in Kwara State

Nine people kidnapped by suspected criminals have been rescued. This happened during a joint security operation with Kwara State Forest Guards, the State Security Service, local hunters, and vigilantes in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Three suspected kidnappers died during the operation. It took place in the Obbo-Aiyegunle, Ejiu-Ora, and Osi areas near the Kogi State border, according to local officials.

Sunday Dada, the spokesperson for the Chairman of Ekiti Local Government Council, said in a statement that the victims were taken on a market day in Eju. They were being led through a forest route towards Niger State when security forces stopped the kidnappers.

The statement added that the rescue was based on intelligence gathered about the forests connecting Kwara with nearby states.

One of the rescued victims, Umaru Muazu, shared his experience. He said armed men attacked him and his son during the incident.

"The men came from nowhere and put a gun to my head. Four of them took my son and me. Fear gripped me, and I fell to the ground. They also took my friend’s motorcycle and kidnapped us," he recounted.

Another victim, Ibrahim Danga, said they had only been with their captors for a short time before security forces arrived to help.

Owolabi Adebayo, a member of the Kwara Forest Guards, confirmed that three suspected kidnappers were killed in a shootout.

"We neutralised three of them and rescued nine people. One of the victims is receiving treatment for injuries," Mr Adebayo stated.

He also requested better logistics and equipment to boost operations against armed groups in the forests.

"There is no type of firearm that is not in their hands. We need more equipment such as body armour, binoculars, night-vision goggles, walkie-talkies, and more ammunition to confront them," he said.

Gabriel Agbemuko, the Chief Security Officer of Ekiti Local Government Area, praised the forest guards for their efforts.

"What they did for us two days ago, they are the ones who helped us rescue those people who were kidnapped along the Ora-Yetoro axis. They have been doing security and intelligence work for us, and we are happy for that," he said.

This rescue comes at a time when cases of kidnapping and violent attacks are on the rise in Kwara State. Areas like Ekiti, Ifelodun, Isin, Edu, and Kaiama local government areas are particularly affected.

Recently, PREMIUM TIMES reported that Owa-Onire town in Ifelodun Local Government Area was mostly deserted. Armed groups have repeatedly attacked the area, forcing residents to flee.

The report also mentioned the release of the traditional ruler of Olohuntele after nearly two months in captivity, along with nine residents of Idi-Iya who were kidnapped in another incident.

Earlier, PREMIUM TIMES reported that the traditional ruler of Olayinka, Salman Aweda, died while in captivity. This was despite residents' efforts to secure his release.

This latest rescue comes just weeks after President Bola Tinubu approved a new Nigerian Army battalion in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area. This is part of efforts to strengthen military actions against banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes in the state.

Authorities say joint security operations, including patrols and bush-combing exercises, are ongoing in vulnerable communities near Kogi, Ekiti, and Niger states.