By Our Reporter

Unknown gunmen have reportedly attacked an 18-seater bus on the Ikare-Irun Akoko-Ado Ekiti highway in Ondo State, kidnapping an unspecified number of travelers.

The incident occurred at the Irun Akoko/Imesi Ekiti axis of the road yesterday evening.

The abducted victims are reportedly from Irun Akoko, Ikare Akoko, and Ekiti communities.

According to a source at Irun Akoko, police officers, soldiers, and Amotekun Corps officers from Ekiti and Ondo states, along with local vigilantes, are currently combing the forests to rescue the victims.

The rescue efforts are ongoing, with the security forces working together to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped passengers.

The kidnap incident was confirmed on Sunday by the Commander of the state security network codenamed Amotekun, Chief Adetunji Adeleye, who said security agencies were working towards securing the release of the victims.

According to Adeleye: “My men and soldiers from Ekiti are combing the forest, but the hoodlums did not kidnap all the occupants of the bus.

“Some of the passengers escaped themselves, while our men with soldiers recovered some of the victims in the night. Our men are combing the forest as we speak.”

Also reacting to the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of Ondo State Command, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, said the police is aware of the kidnap incident, and that efforts are being intensified to rescue the victims.

She disclosed that one of the victims is helping security agents with useful information in their rescue mission.