Unknown gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on Friday engaged soldiers in a shootout in two different locations in Ayebode and Ilasa communities in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State.
Police spokesman, ASP Sunday Abutu, who confirmed the incident to newsmen in Ado-Ekiti on Friday, revealed the gunmen abducted three persons during the confrontation.
Abutu stated that the combined forces of the military and the police rescued six other captives from the gunmen.
‘The information we heard was that four persons were abducted.
‘Security operatives responded swiftly to the situation and rescued six persons.
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‘We have begun an investigation and we will try and ensure that the abductees are brought back safe and sound,’ he said.
Africa Daily News, New York gathered that though the soldiers foiled kidnap attempts in the two communities, three commuters were later picked up by the gunmen as they escaped into the bush.
It was further gathered that those kidnapped were held at Ayedun-Ekiti, a town near Ayebode-Ekiti where soldiers had earlier botched a kidnap attempt.
The incident, which eyewitnesses said occurred around 10 a.m., led to desertion of the Ayedun-Ilasa-Ayebode Highway for several hours.
An eyewitness, also a victim, told newsmen in Ado Ekiti that the soldiers engaged the gunmen at two different locations – Ayebode and Ilasa and pursued them into the bush to ensure that their operations didn’t succeed.
According to the source, three passengers traveling from Ayedun-Ekiti to Ilasa-Ekiti were not that lucky as the gunmen picked them up after escaping from soldiers.
The source added that those who became victims were traveling along Ayebode-Ilasa Road, when the gunmen started to shoot.
The shootout between the soldiers and gunmen was said to have forced motorists to quickly take detours to prevent being hit by bullets.
AFRICA DAILY NEWS, NEW YORK
