NB247
Suspected kidnappers have abducted four travellers in Irele-Ekiti, Ajoni Local Council Development Area(LCDA) of Ekiti state.
The travellers were reported kidnapped while returning to Ibadan, Oyo State, from Kogi where they had gone to attend an event.
Sources report that the event occured on Sunday at 11am.
It was gathered that the gunmen who were about seven, intercepted the travellers between Irele-Ekiti and Oke-Ako, and dragged them into the forest nearby.
“The four persons kidnapped were coming from an event in Kogi and returning to Ibadan when they were attacked along the Irele-Ekiti and OkeAko road,” a resident of the area said.
“We have not heard anything from the gunmen since yesterday (Sunday) and we are hoping they will get in touch with their families possibly for ransom.”
A community leader in Irele-Ekiti, Kehinde Abejide, who confirmed the abduction, lamented the incessant attack by gunmen in the area, calling on the government to beef up security in the axis.
Mr Abejide, who is the Akogun of Ikere-Ekiti, urged the new governor of the state, Biodun Oyebanji, to impress it on the military authority to provide army outpost to safeguard the area against the rampaging gunmen.
“We have been crying and pleading with government to help us in this area but it appears nothing is happening looking at the recurring incidents in the communities. Even though we made local arrangements here relating to security, it can never be enough to confront these people,” he said.
“These four people were going to Ibadan and they were attacked and kidnapped on Sunday morning and we have not heard anything since they were taken into the forest.
“Let me call on the governor of Ekiti to do something urgently on the issue of security before our people will be wiped out in the entire communities in Ajoni LCDA.
“There is need for a military post between Irele and Oke-Ako which will help to forestall any possible attack by these gunmen because it appears they are taking advantage of the poor security arrangements here.”
When contacted, the Amotekun Corps Commander, Joe Komolafe, confirmed the incident, saying, “operatives of the corps are combing the forest in the area towards rescuing the victims.”