A police officer attached to the Lade Division in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State has been abducted by suspected bandits.
The victim, identified simply as Mr Ezra, was seized in the early hours of Thursday while returning from an official assignment at the Patigi General Hospital to his base in Lade.
The incident, which occurred along the Patigi–Lade road, has further heightened anxiety among residents of the area, already notorious for recurring criminal attacks.
Confirming the abduction in Ilorin on Thursday, the spokesperson of the Kwara State Police Command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, disclosed that the officer’s motorcycle was discovered abandoned by the roadside.
According to her, security operatives have launched a search-and-rescue operation aimed at securing his release and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
“This unfortunate incident has again underscored the need for collective vigilance and stronger security architecture across our communities,” she said, assuring that the command was determined to ensure the safe return of the officer.
The development has triggered renewed calls by locals for urgent government intervention to strengthen patrols and protect lives and property in Patigi and neighbouring communities.
