Nine persons abducted by suspected terrorists have been rescued, while three bandits were killed in a coordinated operation by joint security forces in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
A press statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Ekiti Local Government Council Chairman, Prince Dada Sunday, stated that the rescue operation, carried out in the Obbo-Aiyegunle, Ejiu-Ora and Osi axis of Ekiti LGA bordering Ekiti State and Niger State, was conducted by Kwara State-recruited Forest Guards in conjunction with operatives of the Department of State Services, DSS, local hunters and vigilantes.
According to security sources, the victims were abducted from Eju community after the local market and were being moved through the bush toward Niger State before the security team intercepted them.
One of the rescued victims, Umaru Muazu of Obbo Aiyegunle, said the attack occurred around 4:57pm.
“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,” Muazu told reporters.
Another rescued farmer, Ibrahim Danga, also of Obbo Aiyegunle, confirmed they were held briefly before the security forces arrived.
Owolabi Adebayo, a member of the Kwara Forest Guards, said the team had been on intelligence-driven bush combing when they engaged the terrorists.
“We neutralized three of them and rescued nine people. One of the victims is receiving treatment for injuries,” Adebayo said.
He also said that the bandits were better armed. “There is no type of firearm that is not in their hand. We need more equipment such as body armour, binoculars, night goggles, walkie-talkies and more ammunition to confront them.”
The Chief Security Officer of Ekiti LGA, Agbemuko Gabriel, commended the forest guards for their efforts, saying that, “What they did for us two days ago, they are the ones that helped us rescue those people that were kidnapped along Ora-Yetoro axis. They have been doing enough security and intelligence work for us and we are happy for that”.
Footage from the scene showed security operatives with several motorcycles allegedly recovered from the bandits, while the nine rescued persons were paraded.
The development comes as the Federal Government moves to strengthen the fight against banditry and kidnapping. It was also disclosed that a new Army battalion has been approved for Omu Aran in Kwara South to bolster security operations in the area.
Authorities say bush combing and joint patrols will continue in Kwara South and border communities to prevent further attacks on farming communities.
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