The Kwara State Police Command has successfully rescued 13 kidnap victims in Oke-Ero Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement on Saturday, the command’s spokesperson, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, revealed that the rescue operation followed a distress call received on December 21, 2024.
“The victims, who were forcefully abducted by armed attackers on their way to a wedding in Kogi State, were freed through a joint operation involving the police and the Oke-Ero Local Government security team. Acting on credible intelligence and with assistance from local informants, security operatives swiftly located the suspects’ hideout in the Idofin-Igbana area,” Ejire-Adeyemi stated.
The kidnappers, six in number, some disguised in military uniforms, engaged the rescue team in a gun battle but were overpowered by the team’s superior firepower. The suspects fled the scene with various injuries, abandoning their captives.
The victims included three women and ten men from various locations, such as Odo-Owa in Oke-Ero LGA, Ilorin, Ogbomoso in Oyo State, and a group of trailer drivers heading to Kogi State.
“Two victims sustained minor gunshot injuries but were promptly treated at a nearby hospital. All victims were stabilised and reunited with their families,” Ejire-Adeyemi added.
The Commissioner of Police for Kwara State, CP Victor Olaiya, praised the swift response and resilience of the operatives. He also expressed gratitude to the local communities for providing timely and credible information. Olaiya reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to combating all forms of criminality.
